Essay Example on Difference Between Quality Improvement & Quality Assurance

Introduction

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, quality improvement can be described as a continuous process that considers systems and processes. On the other hand, quality assurance refers to compliance towards certain set standards. From the case, quality improvement is preventive and proactive and focuses on the patients’ care. On the other hand, quality assurance is defensive and puts the focus on the providers. The discussion will focus on establishing a difference between quality assurance and quality improvement. It will help in the effective implementation of the two for the development, promotion, and implementation of the two in the healthcare system.

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Five Components

A system consists of five components that work together in synchronization and coordination to meet the desired outcomes. In the healthcare setting, a system work towards performing input, processing, providing output, and feedback. To start with, the hardware comprises of the i/o devices, media devices, the operating system, and the processor. The software is made up of different procedures and programs. The database consists of data sets that are organized in a well-structured manner. Additionally, there is a network that is made up of network devices, communication media, and hubs. Lastly, there are the people who consist of system specialists, network administrators, and device operators.

Quality Improvement and Quality Assurance

Quality improvement and quality assurance take place at numerous levels and depends on what is to be evaluated. Quality improvement occurs internally and can meet the federal and state requirements, the outcomes are kept confidential, and in many legal situations are not discovered. On the other hand, the quality assurance process considers team members, not within the healthcare players. Quality assurance plays an important role when it comes to the confidence that is it optimizes efficiency and production. Quality improvement focuses on production processes and quality control (Improvement Foundation, 2016). Quality assurance helps in looking at the existing problems and putting to organizational consideration changes. The quality improvement also utilizes statistical measures referred to as statistical process charts. Quality improvement helps in improving services and putting new ideas to trial. Quality improvement approaches attempt to use the aspect of modification and study when evaluating the services on offer (Improvement Foundation, 2016). The healthcare system comprises a number of components that include the individual patient, the care team, the organization, and the economic and political environment. The care team considers the care providers, and in the case, we have the pharmacists and the clinicians, to name a few.

Additionally, there is an organization that refers to the nursing home, clinic, and hospital setting, to name a few. The organization supports the formation and development of complementary resources, providing infrastructure, and offering support to the care teams (Improvement Foundation, 2016). Lastly, we have the political and economic environment, including the markets, payment, financial, and regulatory regimes.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is evident that quality assurance helps set standards for quality and is seen as a catalyst when putting into consideration the improvement efforts of organizations. Quality assurance and quality improvement help manage utilization of care and in control cost (Improvement Foundation, 2016). Additionally, QA and QI require both internal and external programs. In conclusion, both QA and QI help ensure the patients receive the best and safest care.

Reference

Improvement Foundation (2016). What is the difference between quality assurance and quality improvement? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDXf2xmv_QQ