What is the main goal of quality improvement in healthcare?

The main goal of quality improvement in healthcare is to enhance safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. Quality improvement initiatives focus on systematically improving healthcare processes and outcomes, ensuring that patients receive safe and effective care. This involves measuring performance, identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, and evaluating the results to provide a higher standard of care.

Patient safety is critical, as reducing errors and adverse events can significantly impact overall patient outcomes. Effectiveness also plays a vital role, as treatments must yield the desired health results. Moreover, patient satisfaction is essential, as it reflects the experiences patients have while receiving care, influencing their willingness to seek medical help in the future and adhere to treatment plans. Overall, the emphasis is on developing a comprehensive approach to enhance the entire healthcare experience rather than focusing solely on specific metrics like cost or the volume of procedures.