03-25-2011
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled its National Strategy for Quality Improvement in Health Care, a detailed road map the department says will guide future efforts to make care safer, more patient-centered and more affordable. Creation of the strategy was mandated by the healthcare reform law.
The national strategy establishes six priorities for improving care and population health, including making care safer by reducing harm; engaging patients and family members as partners; promoting preventive care; and working with communities to foster healthy living practices.
HHS said it collaborated with clinicians, patients, payers, community agencies and other stakeholders to develop the strategy.
“The National Quality Strategy is designed to be an evolving guide for the nation as we continue to move forward with efforts to measure and improve health and healthcare quality,” HHS said in a news release. “HHS will continue to work with stakeholders to create specific quantitative goals and measures for each of these priorities. In addition, as different communities have different needs and assets, the strategy and HHS will empower them to take different paths to achieving these goals.”
Read more: HHS unveils quality-improvement strategy - Healthcare business news, research, information and opinions | Modern Healthcare http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20110321/NEWS/303219922#ixzz1HcqXxa5y