Linking outcomes management and practice improvement. The link between outcomes management and JCAHO functions

Staff participating in the CABG outcomes management program continue to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of care processes and to redesign care to improve patient and organizational outcomes. In fact, this quality enhancement program is neverending as we strive continually to improve the care of CABG patients. The success, measured through improved process and outcome variables, has promoted the implementation of similar programs for other patient populations. Using foresight in the development of outcomes management programs to ensure inclusiveness of regulatory body or agency criteria encourages comprehensive programs that yield positive outcomes for both patients and organizations.