What is the main objective of quality improvement in healthcare?

The main objective of quality improvement in healthcare fundamentally centers around enhancing the safety and effectiveness of healthcare services, with a direct emphasis on improving patient outcomes. Quality improvement initiatives are designed to systematically address and prevent errors, enhance clinical practices, and ensure that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their individual needs. This not only includes the effectiveness of treatments but also aims to create safer healthcare environments where risks are minimized.

Moreover, by focusing on patient outcomes, quality improvement seeks to measure and analyze data related to various aspects of care delivery, leading to informed decisions, promoting evidence-based practices, and facilitating ongoing adjustments that can elevate the overall standard of care provided to patients.

While reducing costs, standardizing treatment protocols, and increasing the number of patients served are important aspects within the healthcare delivery system, they are often secondary or ancillary to the primary goal of ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective patient care that directly impacts health outcomes.