American Medical Association Update on Quality Assurance
Abstract
American Medical Association Update on Quality Assurance SAGE Publications, Inc.1987DOI: 10.1177/0885713x8700200306 Joseph T. Painter M.D. c/o Lees Waintroob, American Medical Association, 535 North Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610 American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois The American Medical Association has taken several important steps recently to reinforce quality assurance and peer and utilization review in our health care system. A central problem is the difficulty in defining elements of quality care. To help address the problem, the AMA' House of Delegates at our June 1986 Annual Meeting endorsed the following "essen- tial elements of quality" in addition to favorable outcome. They include: . Optimal improvements in physical and emotional aspects of patient care consistent with the best interests of the patient . Emphasis on the prevention of disease or disability, and early detection and treatment of such conditions . Timely delivery of care, without undue delay or unnecessary duration of care . Informed cooperation and participation of the patient in the care process and related decisions . Quality based on accepted principles of medical science and the efficient use of technological and professional resources . Sufficient documentation of quality assurance to enable continuity of care and peer evaluation The House