Impact of Quality Strategies on Hospital Outputs
Author Information
Author(s): R Suñol, P Vallejo, A Thompson, M J M H Lombarts, C D Shaw, N Klazinga
Primary Institution: Avedis Donabedian Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona
Hypothesis
This study explores the association between the implementation of quality improvement strategies in hospitals and their success in meeting defined quality requirements.
Conclusion
The implementation of internal quality improvement strategies as well as external assessment systems should be promoted.
Supporting Evidence
- Positive associations were found between six internal quality improvement strategies and hospital outputs.
- The analysis concluded that outputs can be considered part of a single construct.
- Implementation of quality improvement strategies has beneficial effects on hospital outputs.
Takeaway
Hospitals that use certain quality improvement strategies tend to perform better in providing care.
Methodology
Data was collected from 389 hospitals using a web-based questionnaire and 89 hospitals underwent on-site audits to assess quality improvement strategies and outputs.
Potential Biases
The observational, non-randomised nature of the study may introduce confounding factors.
Limitations
The study only includes intermediary outputs of the care delivery process and not outcomes, making causality difficult to prove.
Participant Demographics
Hospitals from eight EU countries participated in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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