Module 1 – Home
Introduction to Quality Assurance and Quality Management Methods
Modular Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to satisfy the following outcomes:
SLP
Compare and contrast the differences between quality assurance and quality assessment between a selected facility and a model facility.
Discuss the principles of total quality management (TQM) and its relationship to quality assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) for your selected facility
Module Overview
Understanding Healthcare Quality:
According to AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)
Research has shown that science-based measures can be used to assess quality for various conditions and for specific types of care. For example, quality health care is:
Doing the right thing (getting the health care services you need).
In the right way (using the appropriate test or procedure).
To achieve the best possible results.
Providing quality health care also means striking the right balance of services by:
• Avoiding underuse (for example, not screening a person for high blood pressure.
• Avoiding overuse (for example, performing tests that a patient doesn’t need).
• Eliminating misuse (for example, providing medications that may have dangerous interactions).
The National Healthcare Quality Report and the National Healthcare Disparities Report present important information about the state of health care in America. These reports indicate that:
• Quality is improving in many areas, but change takes time.
• The gap between the best possible care and actual care remains large.
• Quality of care varies widely across the country.
• Continuing improvement in health care is possible.
Challenges in Healthcare