Public Health
Quality improvement methods can improve public health emergency preparedness procedures, according to a study published in Health Affairs.
Researchers developed a model -- the Promoting Emergency Preparedness and Readiness for Pandemic Influenza -- used by five state and local health departments to gauge the efficacy of QI in PHEP. The study found that the groups' specific preparedness tests yielded positive results when groups:
- Developed a performance standard against which to measure goals;
- Formed relationships with internal and external partners;
- Broke down broad preparedness concepts into smaller components; and
- Met often with QI and preparedness experts.
To expand use of quality improvement methods in public health efforts, researchers advocated clarifying public health processes, offering incentives, helping public health experts build subject knowledge in QI methods and assessments of larger QI efforts (Lotstein et al., Health Affairs, 7/15). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.