Leveraging Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Initiatives to Enhance Value and Patient-Centered Care in Otolaryngology

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Patient safety and quality improvement (PS/QI) initiatives have rapidly proliferated through all fields of healthcare including otolaryngology. Harnessing these initiatives provides an opportunity to systematically evaluate and disseminate best practices and to evaluate their effect in improving value for patients.

Recent Findings

New data registries and disease-specific quality improvement collaboratives provide opportunities for otolaryngologists to use data to enhance quality. We describe PS/QI measures that enhance value by improving quality and controlling costs. These include data registries that allow "big data" approaches, the benefits of multidisciplinary teams and care coordination, subspecialty-specific initiatives, use of M&M conference as a launchpad for PS/QI activity, and barriers to implementation of PS/QI strategies.

Summary

As changes in healthcare continue to accelerate, otolaryngologists who embrace opportunities to optimize value in their respective subspecialties will see improved outcomes for their patients and will reap the benefits of thriving, fulfilling clinical practices.

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