The Joint Commission journal on quality improvement
-
The Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium (PCCC) is a collaborative, voluntary effort of pediatric cardiologists to gather and analyze data regarding operative results. ⋯ Use of the study group model, in which key members work with their institution to use and interpret the data, has been an effective strategy for data dissemination. The PCCC is exploring the concept of "model centers," which would probably be procedure specific. With additional funding, the database could be expanded to include morbidity measures, functional outcome, and long-term follow-up.
-
Jt Comm J Qual Improv · Dec 1994
Using the PDSA cycle to standardize a quality assurance program in a quality improvement-driven environment.
At Parkview Episcopal Medical Center (Pueblo, Colorado), QA means not only quality assurance but also quality alarms-statistical monitoring and analysis of key indicators that lead to the discovery of opportunities for continuous improvement. Data are monitored using statistical process control. Continuous improvement supports quality assurance (QA) just as it supports all other functions at Parkview. ⋯ Successes with this form demonstrate that QA and quality improvement (QI) can be integrated, allowing processes and outcomes to be improved. Since standardization occurred successfully in 1993, QA has been integrated into the strategic-planning process for 1994. Expectations are that duplicate reports and data gathering will be eliminated.