The Advantages and Disadvantages of Process-based Measures of Health Care Quality

Overview

Journal Int J Qual Health Care

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Health Services

Date 2002 Jan 5

PMID 11769749

Citations 93

Authors

H R Rubin

P Pronovost

G B Diette

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

As consumers, payers, and regulatory agencies require evidence regarding health care qualities the demand for process of care measures will grow. Although outcome measures of quality represent the desired end results of health care, validated process of care measures provide an important additional element to quality improvement efforts, as they illuminate exactly which provider actions could be changed to improve patient outcomes. In this essay, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of process measures of quality, and outline some practical strategies and issues in implementing them.

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