Money matters: exploiting the data from outcomes research for quality improvement initiatives

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in studies that have sought to identify predictors of treatment outcome and to examine the efficacy of surgical and nonsurgical treatments. In addition to the scientific advancement associated with these studies per se, the hospitals and clinics where the studies are conducted may gain indirect financial benefit from participating in such projects as a result of the prestige derived from corporate social responsibility, a reputational lever used to reward such institutions. It is known that there is a positive association between corporate social performance and corporate financial performance. However, in addition to this, the research findings and the research staff can constitute resources from which the provider can reap a more direct benefit, by means of their contribution to quality control and improvement. Poor quality is costly. Patient satisfaction increases the chances that the patient will be a promoter of the provider to friends and colleagues. As such, involvement of the research staff in the improvement of the quality of care can ultimately result in economic revenue for the provider. The most advanced methodologies for continuous quality improvement (e.g., six-sigma) are data-driven and use statistical tools similar to those utilized in the traditional research setting. Given that these methods rely on the application of the scientific process to quality improvement, researchers have the adequate skills and mind-set to embrace them and thereby contribute effectively to the quality team. The aim of this article is to demonstrate by means of real-life examples how to utilize the findings of outcome studies for quality management in a manner similar to that used in the business community. It also aims to stimulate research groups to better understand that, by adopting a different perspective, their studies can be an additional resource for the healthcare provider. The change in perspective should stimulate researchers to go beyond the traditional studies examining predictors of treatment outcome and to see things instead in terms of the ''bigger picture'', i.e., the improvement of the process outcome, the quality of the service.

Development of quality measures for monitoring and improving care in gastroenterology

“…A clear example of QA work directly benefitting both patients and gastroenterology divisions is the development of reminder systems for colonoscopy. At our center, the development and implementation of a colonoscopy reminder system did require an up front investment of resources, but has quickly paid for itself by increasing procedure volume while simultaneously improving patient satisfaction and decreasing litigation risk [68]. One resource that smaller practices can use is the newly designed 'AGA Digestive Health Outcomes Registry' which is a tool to help physicians improve patient care, outcomes, and reimbursement [69].…”

Improving Healthcare Referral System Using Lean Six Sigma

“…Because the success and quality of the healthcare industry mainly relies on human expertise, Six Sigma can also be useful, as it focuses on developing human skills, including training and communication. Overall, evidence suggests that Six Sigma is one of the ideal quality assurance strategies in the healthcare industry [14]. Both lean and six sigma have Strengths factors as can be seen in Table 1.…”

Chirurgie und Management: natürliche Partner

“…[11,12]. Gezieltes Management zur Vermeidung von Komplikationen kann mit teilweise einfachen Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung von Komplikationen und damit zur Erhö-hung der Patientensicherheit und Steigerung der Erlöse führen [13,14,15].…”