Tip of the week: Encourage and participate in quality improvement

MEC members and other medical staff leaders are required to encourage and participate in quality improvement (QI) activities in their healthcare organizations. The Joint Commission, for instance, requires medical staff leaders to

• understand QI approaches and methods
• participate in multidisciplinary initiatives to improve patient care and hospital functions that support patient care
• assume responsibility for the quality of care provided by medical staff members
• provide leadership for measuring, assessing, and improving performance
• provide mechanisms for effective communication among the medical staff, hospital administration, and governing board