Deck 16: Performance Management and Quality Improvement

Question 1

What is the purpose of performance management systems in public health?

Answer 1

The ultimate goal of performance management systems in public health is to remedy past deficiencies and improve the results of public health departments. Health departments are working to attain performance excellence through performance management systems based on the use of quality improvement methods and achieving public health department accreditation.

Question 2

Define quality improvement and describe the five ways in which QI methods are applied in public health.

Answer 2

Quality improvement is the process used to close gaps between the actual (current) performance and the desired performance of a group, department, or organization. QI methods are applied in public health to:
-Understand processes and pinpoint critical problems
-Establish control and reduce variation in performance or service
-Determine process capability
-Design interventions to improve processes and outcomes
-Assess service reliability.

Question 3

What are the nine aims of the Department of Health and Human Services' National Framework for Public Health Quality?

Answer 3

1. To protect and promote the health of the entire population
2. To work to achieve health equity
3. To be proactive in addressing health threats
4. To promote healthy behaviors and safe practices
5. To work to reduce the risk of illness and injury
6. To be vigilant in supporting enhancements to surveillance activities
7. To be transparent in regard to the delivery of services and in providing information to the public and to stakeholders
8. To be effective by using evidence-based practices to achieve optimal results
9. To be efficient in regard to the optimal use of resources to achieve desired outcomes