Overview
Introduction
Measurement: Process and Outcome Indicators
Methods of Quality Improvement
Things Quality Improvement is NOT
Summative Experience
Summary

Measurement: Process and Outcome Indicators

Measures
There are 3 types of measures used in quality work:

  • Structure: Physical equipment and facilities
  • Process: How the system works
  • Outcome: The final product, results

Structure and process are easier to measure; outcome is more important.



A non-healthcare example:

Back to John at the Sleep-E Motel: he wants to see if the cost reductions can come from the housekeeping department, specifically linens. Below are his areas for measurement:

  • Structure: Laundry facilities, washers and dryers, storage, laundry carts
  • Process: Removal and replacement of linens in rooms when cleaned, process of loading washing machines and dryers, folding and stocking clean linens
  • Outcome: Are sheets clean and undamaged? Are beds remade properly?



Can you think of an example in Healthcare?

If you were concerned about reducing prenatal mortality, you might look at:

Structure

Objectives

Process

Objectives

Outcome

Objectives

 

Suppose you wanted to measure the quality of care for ankle injuries; consider what you could measure for each. You could consider:

Structure

Objectives

Process

Objectives

Outcome

Objectives

 

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Patient safety module series used with permission from Duke University
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