Discussion Post: Improving Quality
a) Since the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which is now part of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), published To Err Is Human in 1999, a groundbreaking report that boldly pointed out the problem of medical errors, concerns regarding patient safety and the need to reduce errors have come to the forefront of the U.S. healthcare system.
What initiatives have accreditation organizations and other external agencies undertaken to address these issues? What strategies have been used by ancillary healthcare institutions (mental health and public health) to reduce medical errors? Do you think these efforts have been effective?
b) What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) ahead for us as we attempt to improve the quality of our healthcare delivery system in the United States? Are these challenges the same for ancillary services (e.g., mental health and public health) and traditional services (e.g., offices, clinics, hospitals)? Why or why not?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.