Concerns for quality and process control is nothing new. Historians have traced the concept as far back as 3000 B.C. Process control is a concept that may have begun with pyramids of Egypt when a system for quarrying and dressing stone was designed. One has only to examine the pyramids at Cheops to appreciate this remarkable achievement.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO defines a quality of care as “the extent to which health care services provided to individuals and patient populations improve desired health outcomes.In order to achieve this, health care must be safe, effective, timely, efficient, equitable and people-centred.”
Safe
Delivering health care that minimizes risks and harm to service users, including avoiding preventable injuries and reducing medical errors.
Effective
Providing services based on scientific knowledge and evidence-based guidelines.
Timely
Reducing delays in providing and receiving health care.
Efficient
Delivering health care in a manner that maximizes resource use and avoids waste.
Equitable
Delivering health care that does not differ in quality according to personal characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, geographical location or socioeconomic status.
People-centred
Providing care that takes into account the preferences and aspirations of individual service users and the culture of their community.
Dr. Khalid Abulmajd
Healthcare Quality Consultant