Programa de melhoria da qualidade nos cuidados em serviços de saúde: estudo de reflexão

Abstract

The aim was to reflect on the potential of applying the continuous quality improvement model, disseminated by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in health services. This is a reflective study on the application of the continuous quality improvement model in national and international research. The purpose of the model is to improve healthcare outcomes and the patient experience through changes in the behavior of healthcare professionals and institutions and by systematically applying changes to complex processes and systems. Furthermore, the model consists of three fundamental questions that are combined with the PDSA cycle (Plan-Do-Study-Act). The impacts of these cycles on care processes and patient safety were also presented. Studies that used this methodology showed a reduction in adverse events and improvement in care processes in health services. Thus, the continuous quality improvement model should be widely used in clinical practice and research to improve care provided to all patients and at all levels of health care with limited resources and without great costs.