Reducing risks through quality improvement, infection control, and risk management.

Abstract

Health care organizations in America are undergoing major changes. As these changes are occurring, organizations are being asked to demonstrate how they monitor and improve their services to provide cost-effective, quality care. The integration of quality improvement methodologies, risk management programs, and infection-control systems provides the structure necessary for identifying organization risks and attempting to eliminate them. This integration is demonstrated by a case study for reducing needlestick injuries in the intensive care unit.