Quality in Healthcare

Quality in Healthcare

Quality healthcare directly affects patients. The ever-changing environment in healthcare calls for improved delivery systems that meet the needs of patients (Cantiello, Kitsantas, Moncada, & Abdul, 2016). Notably, the improvement efforts have been continuous, as aided by stakeholders in the industry, to the benefit of patients globally. Quality in healthcare, a global issue, has steadily improved over the years, benefitting patients in several ways, such as high safety, satisfaction, and affordable treatment

Healthcare has evolved over the years, leading to better care. In the early 1900s, healthcare facilities relied on strategies, such as the Shewart Cycle, whose elements included plan, do, check/study, and act (Cantiello et al., 2016). Most of these strategies aimed at quality care and resource efficiency. Soon, associations like the American College of Surgeons created minimum standards to which the practitioners adhered. In addition, these associations and bodies championed quality programs at organizational and industrial levels. The public and private players also collaborated to boost quality through the formation of clearinghouses, benchmarking, data review, measuring improvement efforts, and forming institutes (Cantiello et al., 2016). Healthcare also adopted a patient-centred approach where patients’ input in decisions and processes improved. The communication between physicians and patients became more transparent, engaging, and regular. Again, research and evidence-based methods were included to raise patient satisfaction and positive results. Technology also boosted healthcare quality by facilitating the shift from volume to focus (“2018 global healthcare,” 2018). Activities like coordination using standardized protocols, research, better payment systems speed up and increase the efficiency of delivery. Electronic health records (EHS) equally improved with better data storage, integration, and security. Moreover, with software applications, patients can interact with their physicians remotely and take charge of their health. The quality of healthcare has improved over the years, thanks to standards, collaboration, associations, and technology.

Accordingly, quality has an integral role in patient care. For one, quality guarantees patient safety. Quality emphasizes the use of safety measures, minimum errors, and preventing future mistakes when dealing with patients (Berger, 2015). Hence, the sick will receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment when needed. Additionally, the stakeholders of healthcare, such as physicians, nurses, facility managers, and insurance companies work together to formulate techniques that will safeguard the interests of the patient. Quality also makes treatment affordable because of insurance coverage (Berger, 2015). For a given premium, patients can access multiple services from accredited facilities. Some of the expenses covered would have been impossible to meet without a cover. Quality also enhances patient-centred care. The patient is active throughout the treatment process as opposed to only being a recipient of the services. The patient-centred approach creates value and respect, enhancing the recovery of the client. Quality care, similarly, customer satisfaction is high because of excellent and timely services. Quality improves patient care.

Quality healthcare is a growing global concern. The cost of quality care is a worldwide issue regarding cost. Factors like the ageing population, changing care patterns, and increased quality drive the price (“2018 global healthcare,” 2018). As such, the stakeholders are tasked with finding suitable and advanced, yet cost-effective treatment options. Managing infectious and chronic diseases that are worsened by lifestyle choices is also an issue. Healthcare systems aim to address these diseases effectively and at affordable rates. Further, collaboration and consolidation are models adopted by facilities worldwide to address patient needs. The strategy furthers sharing data, successful practices, and improving systems. Global healthcare activities focus on improving health using affordable and efficient means.

To conclude, quality in healthcare, a global issue, has steadily improved over the years, benefitting patients in several ways, such as high safety, satisfaction, and affordable treatment. Quality in the healthcare sector became better due to standards and technological advancements, which resulted in high standards for care. The patients benefit from quality variously like increased safety, insurance coverage, and patient-centred approaches. Globally, quality focuses on cost, disease management, and cooperation. Healthcare has positive results when quality is high.

References

2018 Global health care outlook. (2018). Deloitte. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/Life-Sciences-Health-Care/gx-lshc-hc-outlook-2018.pdf

Berger, K. (2015). An Update on United States Healthcare Quality Improvement Efforts. Harvard: School of Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ecpe/an-update-on-united-states-healthcare-quality-improvement-efforts/

Cantiello, J., Kitsantas, P., Moncada, S., & Abdul, S. (2016). The evolution of quality improvement in healthcare: patient-centred care and health information technology applications. Journal of Hospital Administration, 5 (1), 62-8. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289495732_The_evolution_of_quality_improvement_in_healthcare_patient-centered_care_and_health_information_technology_applications