International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care
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Int J Qual Health Care · Jun 2011
Multicenter StudyBenchmarking improves quality in cystic fibrosis care: a pilot project involving 12 centres.
Health care quality monitoring has been introduced in cystic fibrosis (CF) by a few groups and national registries. Based upon this, continuous quality improvement can be achieved by applying the benchmarking method which is focused on learning from best practice. ⋯ CF provides a model of the link between processes of health care delivery and health outcomes of patients. Quality improvement is a continuous goal in CF care with realistic potential as exemplified by our data. Accountability was introduced and transparency was improved by our pilot benchmarking project. Using the benchmarking procedure, our long-term project will reinforce standards, programmes, and individual attitudes and principles to ensure continuous quality improvement in CF health care.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Jun 2010
Multicenter StudyIntensive care unit safety culture and outcomes: a US multicenter study.
Safety culture may influence patient outcomes, but evidence is limited. We sought to determine if intensive care unit (ICU) safety culture is independently associated with outcomes. ⋯ In a multicenter study conducted in the USA, perceptions of management and safety climate were moderately associated with outcomes. Future work should further develop methods of assessing safety culture and association with outcomes.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Jun 2007
Multicenter StudyDoes delay in surgery after hip fracture lead to worse outcomes? A multicenter survey.
To estimate the impact of delays in surgery for hip fracture on short- and long-term outcomes. ⋯ Delays in surgery for hip fracture are associated with significant increase in short-term and 1-year mortality. Variation among the hospitals was substantial and calls for prompt quality improvement actions.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Feb 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffects of a multidisciplinary, post-discharge continuance of care intervention on quality of life, discharge satisfaction, and hospital length of stay: a randomized controlled trial.
To determine the impact of a hospital-coordinated discharge care plan, involving a multidisciplinary team of primary health care providers, on hospital length of stay, quality of life, and both patient and general practitioner inclusion in, and satisfaction with, discharge procedures. ⋯ Our results indicate that a multidisciplinary discharge care plan, initiated before separation, improves quality of life, involvement, and satisfaction with discharge care, and hospital-general practitioner integration. As such, it possesses benefits over current Western Australian hospital discharge procedures for the care of chronically ill populations.
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Int J Qual Health Care · Oct 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparing cost effects of two quality strategies to improve test ordering in primary care: a randomized trial.
To determine the costs and cost reductions of an innovative strategy aimed at improving test ordering routines of primary care physicians, compared with a traditional strategy. ⋯ On the basis of our findings, including the expected non-monetary benefits, we recommend further long-term effect and cost-effect studies on the implementation of the quality strategy.