The patient's perceptions of quality: implications for nurse managers in long-term care

Nurse managers are in key positions to promote quality care in their institutions. In long-term care, the patient's perspective of quality has important implications. Knowledge of these perceptions can provide a basis for the development of educational, administrative, and practice modalities that impact positively on the quality of care and the quality of life for these patients. A move from quality assurance to quality improvement programs helps to focus energies, improve processes, and assist nurse managers in setting standards that are realistic, effective, and efficient.