Which process involves systematically improving the delivery of patient care?

Quality improvement is focused on systematically enhancing patient care delivery through various methodologies and frameworks. This process involves identifying areas of need, setting measurable goals, implementing changes, and evaluating the outcomes of those changes to ensure they lead to safer and higher-quality patient experiences.

In the context of healthcare, quality improvement initiatives are often driven by data analysis, team collaboration, and the application of evidence-based practices. The goal is to foster a culture of continuous improvement, where healthcare providers regularly assess and refine their processes to better meet the needs of patients. It encompasses techniques such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, Lean methodologies, and Six Sigma strategies.

In comparison, quality assurance is more about maintaining established standards and ensuring that care delivery meets those standards rather than focusing on ongoing improvement. Risk adjustment involves modifying outcomes and performance measures based on patient demographics and health status, rather than the systematic enhancement of care delivery. Benchmarking is a tool used to compare performance against standards or best practices but does not intrinsically involve the proactive improvement of patient care processes on its own.