What does "performance improvement" in healthcare refer to?

"Performance improvement" in healthcare refers to systematic efforts to enhance healthcare services. This concept involves a comprehensive approach that seeks to identify deficiencies in processes, outcomes, and overall service delivery in a healthcare organization. It is not merely a one-time initiative but an ongoing commitment to quality and efficiency.

The focus on systematic efforts implies that healthcare organizations continuously monitor, assess, and refine their practices in order to deliver better patient care, improve safety, increase satisfaction, and optimize resources. This can involve utilizing data analysis to identify trends and areas needing improvement, implementing best practices, and engaging staff in quality initiatives.

In contrast, a one-time project for better outcomes lacks the iterative and continuous nature of performance improvement. While boosting hospital revenue is important, that is not the primary objective of performance improvement; rather, the focus is on enhancing care quality and patient outcomes. Additionally, strategies for reducing healthcare staff do not align with the objectives of performance improvement, which generally aim to support and empower staff to provide better care.