What is typically the primary goal of quality improvement projects in managed care?

The primary goal of quality improvement projects in managed care is to improve patient outcomes. This focus aligns with the core mission of healthcare organizations to provide safe, effective, and high-quality care to patients. Quality improvement initiatives are designed to assess and enhance the processes and systems that contribute to patient care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and higher quality services.

By prioritizing patient outcomes, quality improvement projects aim to identify gaps in care, reduce variations in treatment protocols, and implement evidence-based practices that contribute to better health results. While reducing costs, increasing staff productivity, and enhancing community relations are important considerations, they often serve as secondary benefits of a successful quality improvement initiative rather than the primary focus. Highlighting patient outcomes ensures that all efforts in managed care are centered around what is most critical: the health and well-being of patients.