Integrating research activities, practice changes, and monitoring and evaluation: a model for academic health centers

A study undertaken by the Joint Commission in 1986 proposed that some research activities at academic health centers (AHCs) be used to fulfill monitoring and evaluation requirements. This paper presents a framework for such use of research activities. To fulfill the monitoring and evaluation standards, AHCs and their medical staff departments must conduct planned and systematic quality assurance activities, and research and subsequent practice changes must be documented. In addition, particular research activities should correspond to the ten steps of the Joint Commission model of the monitoring and evaluation process. It is critical that research result in specific actions to improve care, along with follow-up monitoring and, when necessary, follow-up action.