What is the focus of Quality Improvement in a healthcare setting?

The focus of Quality Improvement in a healthcare setting is fundamentally about enhancing patient outcomes, workflows, and overall service quality. It seeks to build on what is already in place and identify areas where even satisfactory outcomes can be further improved. This continuous effort ensures that healthcare providers regularly assess and elevate the quality of care they deliver, striving for excellence in patient safety, satisfaction, and clinical effectiveness.

Quality Improvement is not about eliminating interactions between patients and providers, as these interactions are central to patient care and satisfaction. It also does not solely concentrate on sticking strictly to budgetary limits or minimizing training for staff, since adequate training and resource allocation are essential components for implementing effective quality improvement initiatives. Rather, the goal is to foster an environment where quality is the priority, leading to better health outcomes and improved patient experiences.