All functions of a healthcare organization should be systematic, objective, continuous, and integrated. Any quality management or process improvement should accomplish the following:
• Provide quality patient care, maintain accurate and complete clinical records, and ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Require all staff members to adhere to the highest professional standards.
• Establish a process to monitor, evaluate objectively, and improve the environment.
• Receive reports from quality assurance activities that relate to safety issues.
• Report issues relating to medical staff to the medical staff oversight committee.
• Coordinate quality assurance efforts with other departments, including safety.
• Require that quality assurance share information with risk management and infection control
