Quality assurance and improvement in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Quality of care is defined as care which produces the greatest expected improvement in health status. Major strides towards quality and safety initiatives were made after the Institute of Medicine published the report: To Err Is Human, in 2000. Although innumerous quality and safety initiatives have been implemented and some improvements in health care delivery and outcomes have been demonstrated, gaps still exist. This chapter will describe methods and conceptual frameworks used to improve processes and outcomes in the care of critically ill patients. Agencies involved in evaluating quality and offering assistance to health care providers, institutions, and systems will also be discussed. Finally, performance measures specific to the intensive care unit will be outlined.