Quality of care and utilization management: contemporary tools and strategies

An effective Quality-Utilization Management Program requires a contemporary and clinically relevant information system. Involvement of the medical staff and support of hospital personnel are critical to implement such a program. Equally important is the commitment of government and community representatives to address hospital quality and utilization issues in the context of the full range of community services. Outlining the background leading to the inception of a Quality-Utilization Management Program in a multi-hospital system, the authors also present the rationale for selecting a concurrent and retrospective review system.