m a combination of factors (increasing costs of health care, changing societal values, advances in treatment therapies, changing demographics, and many others). Cost is a major factor involved in changes in the delivery of health care services. It
is, therefore, imperative for acute care delivery facilities to develop procedures that will lead to more effective and more efficient operations without simultaneously sacrificing either the level or quality of care delivered. The implementation of quality assurance programs has been linked to this goal (Cleverly and Harvey, 1992, p. 40).
Both the quality and efficiency of care delivered in acute care facilities are linked directly to nursing services (Weil and Stack, 1993, pp. 200 207). Thus, nursing services, along with all other services provided through acute care facilities, must be evaluated to assure that nursing makes an optimal contribution to the attainment of institutional objectives (Solovy, 1993, pp. 14 19). The quality assurance concept has been suggested as the preferred vehicle for both making such an evaluation and attaining the dual goal of quality of care and efficiency (Richards and O'Donnell, 1993, pp. 2102 2103).
The issue of quality assurance in acute care facilities in described in this analysis. Further, factors influencing the issue, proposed resolutions to the issue, and implementation strategies are also included in this analysis. Implications of the implementation strategies and an evaluation of their impact on nursing are also a part of this analysis.
Quality Assurance in Acute Care Facilities: A Description of the Issue
The need to improve quality and control costs is especially applicable to acute care facilities. Proposed national health care reform, increased consumer demands for quality health care, and public outcries for the control of health care costs are issues that must be addressed by all acute care facilities. Improving ...