Quality Analysis Healthcare

Cost and Quality Analysis When comparing the relationship between health care costs and quality, the two tend to be closely related. In some cases, when eliminating quality waste and improving productivity, there is a possibility to achieving substantial reductions in costs and improvements in the quality of care (James, 1989). Depending on the quality level of healthcare in which a person expects to receive, insurance agencies offer different packages relative to the cost the person is willing spend. But when looking at the healthcare system as a whole, do we need to reduce final medical outcome quality for some, so that for larger groups medical outcomes can be significantly improved? This can be attributed to quality waste, productivity,
For instance, we can look into two healthcare agencies, Medicaid, a public agency created by the federal government but administered by the state in order to provide medical services for low-income citizens (Duel Eligibilities, 2013), and The Joint Commission, an organization made up of individuals from the private medical sector that develops and maintains standards of quality in medical facilities (The Joint Commission, 2013). According to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Medicare work together in order to improve care and lower costs. This focuses not only on controlling the cost, but improving the quality and access to care by simplifying processes by eliminating duplication of services and eliminating regulatory conflicts by expanding access to needed cares (Duel Eligibilities, 2013). The Joint Commission establishes national standards and regulations in order for healthcare facilities to abide to. Due to the strict limitations put on these facilities, they are better able to control their costs and improve productivity and quality of
It is important that APN demonstrate clinical performance and patient outcomes through evidence based practice in order for improved patient safety goals to be reached. APN organizations as well as governmental and private research teams must conjoin to shape a strategic plan to identify the critical research questions in relation to cost and quality. “Electronic administrative and clinical data systems, quality measurement, cost containment, and influential surveys” (O’Grady, 2008, para 47) must be addressed by these research teams. It is imperative that they recognize APN’s unique contribution and discipline in the health care world that is highly relevant to address the cost and quality issues. These research agendas have to be consistent and systematic in order for APN research to translate into sound health policy (O’Grady, 2008). For example, The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) focuses on becoming increasing important as the delivery system undergoes renovation, driven by pellucidity and quality (O’Grady, 2008). They must recognize “patient outcomes, cost, use of services, access disparities, quality of care, and patient safety” (O’Grady, 2008, para 48). When attempting to reach this goal, the APN