The transition to continuous quality improvement: a home care model

Managers of home care organizations in the 1990s are faced with serious challenges. The magnitude of change occurring makes it difficult to distinguish a reasonable course of action. Quality improvement techniques offer an exciting opportunity for organizations to regain control of their strengths by identifying and improving their weaknesses. This article presents a transitional model for quality improvement involving structure, process, and outcome variables adapted to home care organizations. It encompasses unique committee structures mandated by licensure and certification requirements, which can be adapted to quality improvement focus. Finally, it identifies customer service trends that provide managers with information to fine-tune good business practice.