Quality assurance (QA) refers to the process of verifying that a product or service meets certain standards and requirements. In the healthcare context, quality assurance refers to the efforts that are made to ensure that healthcare services are provided in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
There are many different approaches to quality assurance in healthcare, and these can include:
- Internal quality improvement initiatives within healthcare organizations
- External accreditation and certification programs that evaluate and recognize healthcare organizations that meet certain standards of quality
- Performance measurement and reporting programs that collect and disseminate data on the quality of healthcare services
- Regulatory oversight and enforcement to ensure that healthcare organizations and providers are complying with laws and regulations related to quality
The goal of quality assurance in healthcare is to improve the overall quality and value of healthcare services and to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.« Back to Glossary Index