Understanding the importance of quality in healthcare.

Healthcare quality is all about making sure you get the best possible care when you visit a doctor or go to a hospital. That means going to a doctor that listens carefully to your concerns, explains things in a way you understand and gives you the right treatment that helps you feel better. Let’s take a closer look at quality in healthcare.

The Cornerstones of Quality Care

High-quality healthcare is made up of a number of things. From safety to efficiency, all come together to ensure you get the best care possible for your needs and wants.

• Safety. Above all else, patient safety is the cornerstone of quality care. This means your doctors, nurses and more do what they need to do keep you safe, making sure that treatments and interventions are free from avoidable risks.
• Effectiveness. Quality care uses tried and true methods that produce real results. There’s data to back up the treatment you’re getting is going to produce good results.
• Patient-Centeredness. Focusing on the patient means respecting individual preferences, values and concerns. It also means combined decision-making between patients and doctors.
• Timeliness. Time is important in healthcare. Quick access to care, shorter waiting periods, and prompt treatments all impact patient outcomes and overall satisfaction.
• Efficiency. Being efficient means treatments are done well without wasting time, energy or money.
• Equity. Equal access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right. Upholding equity in healthcare means bridging gaps in care delivery, regardless of a person’s background or socio-economic status.

Why Quality Matters in Healthcare

Quality is really important in healthcare because it affects both patients and the healthcare system. When healthcare is good quality, these things happen:

• Better Results. Patients get better faster and have fewer problems.
• Feel Better. Good care helps keep patients healthy.
• Patients Are in Control. Patients can make choices about their care, and trust their doctors.
• Trust in Healthcare. People feel confident in the healthcare system.
• Save Time and Money. Good care is efficient and doesn’t waste time or money.

Fostering Quality Healthcare: Your Role

As an active participant in your health journey, you can significantly contribute to ensuring quality healthcare.

• Knowledge is Power. Educate yourself about your health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures.
• Ask Questions. Engage your doctor in open discussions to remove doubts and get detailed information about your care plan.
• Actively Engage. Take charge of your treatment plan and do what your doctor asks you to do.
• Share Your Experience. Provide useful feedback to healthcare providers, recognizing excellent care and suggesting areas of improvement.
• Advocate for Equality. Support initiatives that promote equal access to quality healthcare for all members of society.

Care you will love.

First Stop Health providers are here to care for you! You can schedule a visit with our primary care providers, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians to talk about your health concerns. All our visits are virtual, so you can get care from where you're most comfortable!