Journal for healthcare quality : official publication of the National Association for Healthcare Quality
-
This article examines the degree to which healthcare information technology (HIT) supporting the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) six care aims is utilized in the hospital setting and explores organizational factors associated with HIT use. Guided by the IOM's Crossing the quality chasm report and associated literature, 27 applications and/or capabilities are classified according to one or more of the six care aims. A structured survey of Florida hospitals identified the use of HIT. Results suggest that, on average, hospitals have not yet embraced HIT to support the IOM's care aims and that associated organizational factors vary according to care aim.
-
Palliative care is medical care that provides relief from suffering and support for the best possible quality of life for patients facing advanced chronic illness and for their families. Healthcare organizations use palliative care to improve quality of care, because it is an effective approach to relieving pain, discomfort, and stress; improving patient and family satisfaction; improving continuity and reducing fragmentation of care delivery; and contributing to efficient and effective use of healthcare resources. As a result of these outcomes, palliative care programs help hospitals meet pain management and other quality accreditation standards. This article summarizes the data, provides case examples of the effect of palliative care, and identifies resources for implementing programs.