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Biomedical subjects

P C Ostrow

Publications and source records attributed to P C Ostrow.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1983

The historical precedents for quality assurance in health care.

The evolution of quality assurance as an essential component of a scientific, objective approach to health care delivery, and its implications for the profession of occupational therapy are presented. A review is made of the economic, ethical, psychological, and legislative forces that have influenced the development of quality assurance over the past century, a development that has seen times of strong emphasis on quality assurance functions, as well as periods of minimal support and, even, obstacles to any activity. Quality assurance standards established by both The American Occupational Therapy Association and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) are discussed. Results of commitment to these standards include improved effectiveness and efficiency of health care, better coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors, and greater professional growth. The need for commitment by occupational therapists to the most effective forms of quality assurance is recommended.

History, 20th Century↗
PubMed1983

Improving the utilization of occupational therapy: a quality assurance study.

Concerned about the lack of referrals to occupational therapy for patients with activities of daily living (ADL) deficiency, the occupational therapy section of an acute-care community hospital conducted a quality assurance study. Referral standards were established by the occupational therapy department and approved by the medical staff. Initial measurements indicated that 71 percent of patients requiring a referral did not receive it. Since the staff standard for missed referrals was only 15 percent, improvement actions were implemented. After improvements were made in the referral system, missed referrals dropped from 71 to 27 percent, marking an improvement of 44 points. The study produced several other benefits, including better communication among health care providers, improved patient functional assessment, and greater staff commitment to quality assurance activities.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1980

The outcomes of back conservation education: occupational therapy study results in increased referrals and demonstrates program's benefits.

As part of a larger multidisciplinary study conducted at an acute care hospital, a three-phase study focused on an occupational therapy back conservation education program. A problem in care--limited patient education about back conservation--was identified. Because dissemination of information about underutilization of the program improved referrals only slightly, the basic procedure for referral was changed; this resulted in significant improvement. Flexibility and innovation in assessment approach were demonstrated by a post-discharge patient questionnaire and literature review utilized in the final phase of the study.

District of Columbia↗
PubMed1979

Peer review for nonphysicians.

The inclusion of nonphysician health care practitioners in hospital quality assurance programs is being called for by the new JCAH standards and PSRO regulations/PSRO guidelines require that nonphysicians be reviewed by peers.

Health Occupations↗
PubMed1975

PSRO and quality assurance: what is the occupational therapist's role?

This article highlights the characteristics of the PSRO review process, looks briefly at the variety of patient care evaluation procedures and enumerates the ways in which occupational therapists can participate. There are two major steps the occupational therapists can take. The first is done on an individual or staff level. The second, involving a series of ongoing contacts, needs to be organized through a state or local occupational therapy association. Individual participation starts in your own service area with chart audit of the quality of occupational therapy care. The audit is based on criteria developed or adapted in the occupational therapy department. There are now many ways to gain the skills necessary for such a project. They are listed in the article. Occupational therapists can have input into the PSRO program through a PSRO committee of their state or local occupational therapy association. Selected representatives of the occupational therapy affiliates should contact all PSROs in their state. The area in which occupational therapists can interact with the PSRO are described.

Humans↗