Hello, Friends.
What is Quality in cancer care? Tough question. Quality in medicine is not a new concept. Here is a quote from 1918 published by the American College of Surgeons:
"...all hospitals are accountable to the public for their degree of success... If the initiative is not taken by the medical profession, it will be taken by the lay public."
Here is the most current definition by the Institute of Medicine:
" The degree to which health services for individuals and popluations increase the liklihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge."
Wow, is that a mouthful!
Essentially we know that we can do better in medicine at keeping patients safe and achieving the best health for every patient. But it has to be a TEAM effort. For so long the doctor has tried to steer the ship himself/herself. Although the doctor is an essential and critical component of the team, the whole system of healthcare needs to continually improve to achieve the goals that we value so much.
I write to you from the American College of Physician Executives Fall Institute in Tucson, AZ. I am attending the course titled the Three Faces of Quality. The course is taught by three national experts in the field of quality medical care David Nash, MD, Harry Leider, MD and Ken Walker, MD. The course is teaching an overview on major quality themes.
For example, the Institute of Medicine outlines the essential components of what a healthcare system will have if it has a high level of quality. These componets are: Safe, Effective, Patient-Centered, Timely, Equitable and Efficient.
We have always been committed to the highest quality care to our cancer patients in North Central Washington. We will continue to implement tools and mechanisms to improve on the safe treatment of patients with life threatening illnesses from cancer in a compassionate and efficient environment. That is our ongoing committment to you.
Out of the sun and the heat tomorrow and back to Wenatchee and the beginning of winter....I can't wait to be home!
Best Regards Always,
Mitch
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