What Is Quality Health Care

Americans have a different concept of “quality health care” from the providers of that care and, also, from the bureaucrats, both of whom aspire to administrate that “quality” care. The doctors and other health care deliverers would work to deliver the care that produces the best outcome to the individual patient, regardless of the cost. Bureaucrats and administrators would hope to see care delivered that produces the best outcome for the most people at the least cost. They do not necessarily look for ideal care for individual patients.
Patients, on the other hand, usually consider two criteria of care which they deem to be of importance in determining the quality of care they are receiving.
1) Respect of persons: This includes dignity, confidentiality and autonomy of individuals and families to make decisions about their own care.
2) Client orientation: This includes prompt attention, access to social support networks during care, quality of basic amenities, and choice of provider.
Patient expectations are going to suffer if either the provider or the bureaucrats have their way in the new health care laws that are being considered in America today.