Institutionalizing quality within national health systems: Key ingredients for success

Stephanie Kandasami, Shamsuzzoha Babar Syed, Anbrasi Edward, Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Ezequiel Garcia-Elorrio, Nana Mensah Abrampah, Peter M. Hansen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Quality improvement initiatives can be fragmented and short-term, leading to missed opportunities to improve quality in a systemic and sustainable manner. An overarching national policy or strategy on quality, informed by frontline implementation, can provide direction for quality initiatives across all levels of the health system. This can strengthen service delivery along with strong leadership, resources, and infrastructure as essential building blocks for the health system. This article draws on the proceedings of an ISQua conference exploring factors for institutionalizing quality of care within national systems. Active learning, inclusive of peer-to-peer learning and exchange, mentoring and coaching, emerged as a critical success factor to creating a culture of quality. When coupled by reinforcing elements like strong partnerships and coordination across multiple levels, engagement at all health system levels and strong political commitment, this culture can be cascaded to all levels requiring policy, leadership, and the capabilities for delivering quality healthcare.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)G136-G138
JournalInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care
Volume31
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2019

Keywords

  • Governance
  • Health systems strengthening
  • Institutionalization
  • Learning
  • National quality policy
  • Quality of care
  • Strategy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)

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