Assessing the effectiveness of quality improvement strategies in Europe: the MARQuIS project
2009

Assessing Quality Improvement Strategies in European Healthcare

Sample size: 68 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Spencer E, Walshe K

Primary Institution: Manchester Business School

Hypothesis

What are the policies and strategies for quality improvement in European healthcare systems?

Conclusion

There is some convergence in quality improvement policies across Europe, but significant variations remain.

Supporting Evidence

  • Legal requirements for quality improvement strategies are a key driver of progress.
  • Patient and service user organisations have less influence on quality improvement.
  • Many healthcare organisations lack basic infrastructure for quality improvement.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different countries in Europe are trying to make healthcare better, and found that while some are doing well, others still have a long way to go.

Methodology

A survey of quality improvement policies and strategies in healthcare systems of the European Union was conducted in 2005.

Potential Biases

Responses may reflect the perspectives of a limited group of experts.

Limitations

The small number of respondents and their varying levels of knowledge may affect the interpretation of results.

Participant Demographics

68 key experts in quality improvement from 24 European Union member states.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1136/qshc.2008.029355

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