Parameters of quality assurance: an evolving science

The quality assurance field is rapidly evolving. The components of the quality assurance field, which include philosophy, assessment tools and methods, analysis and application of data, and research, are each growing in their conceptual validity and are also developing well defined relationships to each other. The philosophy underlying quality assurance has moved from a static concept of quality to conceptualising the quality of care as a dynamic state of health care. Quality assessment tools and methods are more valid and reliable, and research is emphasising outcomes of care and effectiveness studies, as well as methods of disseminating information to practitioners. This paper provides an overview of the quality assurance field, describing the changes that are taking place in each of its components and the relationships among them.