US experiences for quality assurance in Swiss health care settings

This report illustrates the first step of a research project at the Institute of Business Research, University of Zurich, concerning quality improvement techniques in Swiss health care institutions. It endeavors to provide a forecast of further research activities. Apart from the analysis provided by the most recent follow-up on the National Demonstration Project for Quality Improvement in Health Care (NDP), this also shows the lessons learned from the perspective of the initial NDP participants. Additionally, the results are adapted for application to European circumstances for quality improvement activities in health care institutions. US experience shows that physician involvement along with a good database are key success factors for quality improvement. Strategically important processes must be selected early on for quality improvement projects. It is important to start with intensive training of process leaders instead of a broad-based training. Furthermore, the new Swiss law regarding quality assurance and its results are explained. The formation of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NAQ) means that first-time Swiss health care providers, as well as health insurance-companies and cantonal representatives, are discussing quality measures and clinical standards on a national level.