What is quality care?
Date: 10/18/20
National Healthcare Quality Week (HQW) starts on October 13th and lasts until October 24th this year. This annual celebration is sponsored by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). This week celebrates the progress made by healthcare and quality workers to improve patient outcomes. It is also a great chance to bring awareness to the importance of healthcare quality. Due to COVID-19, quality care has taken center stage. It is clear that quality matters, now more than ever!
Louisiana Healthcare Connections is dedicated to providing their members with quality care each and every day. Whether it be in the doctor’s office, when you call our member services number, or on your next telehealth visit, quality care is our greatest priority.
But what does quality care mean? Why is quality care important? These questions are important. HQW is a great time to ask these questions and get answers.
WHAT IS QUALITY CARE?
Quality care means that the healthcare professionals are focused on improving a patient’s health outcome. That means that you leave the doctor’s office healthier and more informed.
Quality care should be PETES:
People-focused. The care you receive should be based on your particular needs. Your healthcare provider should take into consideration your needs, preferences and other factors important to you.
Effective. The time you spend at the doctor’s office should be beneficial to your overall health. This can be ensured by receiving care based on scientific knowledge and evidence-based guidelines.
Timely. Your time is important. The time you spend with your healthcare provider should be valuable and timely.
Equal. The care you receive should not differ in quality due to personal characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, geographical location or socioeconomic status.
Safe. Making sure you feel safe and are safe is important. Your healthcare provider should be focused on quality preventative care to keep you safe in the doctor’s office and out.
WHY IS QUALITY CARE IMPORTANT?
Quality care is important because it focuses on improving health outcomes. The healthier you are, the happier we are. HQW not only celebrates the progress of the healthcare industry, but also uses this time to find new ways we can improve upon our existing care.
For more information about quality care in Louisiana visit https://qualitydashboard.ldh.la.gov/.