An Introduction to Quality Assurance in Health Care

TLDR

Quality in health care is frequently misunderstood because it lacks a universal definition, causing confusion over whether patient survival or procedural success truly reflects quality. The book seeks to clarify what constitutes quality health care by presenting Donabedian’s framework in an accessible yet thorough manner. The author defines quality assurance, identifies its shortcomings, and offers an in-depth exploration of its essential components.

Abstract

Oxford University Press, 2002 0-19-515809-1; 240 pp; $37.95 Hb, $32. 25 Pb It would seem that any discussion about almost any issue in recent times has had to have the word ‘quality’ peppered liberally throughout the exchange. This apparent obsession with a concept that many have argued has no universal language with which to define it has all too often caused confusion and an inability to truly understand what a quality product or service represents. Nowhere is this more apparent than in health care. For some, the acid test of a quality health care service is the survival of the patient, even though this takes no account of the quality of the patient experience during the treatment process. For others it is the successful completion of the procedure, bringing forth the somewhat macabre statement ‘the operation was a success but unfortunately the patient died’. However, Professor Avedis Donabedian brings a refreshing clarity to this important area through a highly readable yet in-depth exploration of the fundamental ingredients that are essential to delivering a quality service within modern health care. He begins by sharing his definition of quality assurance, and in doing so exposes the weakness …