Feedback of evidence into practice

Concern about risks associated with medical care has led to increasing interest in quality improvement processes. Most quality initiatives derive from manufacturing, where they have worked well in improving quality by small, steady increments. Adaptations of quality processes to the healthcare environment have included variations emphasising teamwork; large, ambitious increments in targets; and unorthodox approaches. Feedback of clinical information to clinicians is a central process in many quality improvement activities. It is important to choose feedback data that support the objectives for quality improvement — and not just what is expedient. Clinicians need to be better educated about the quality improvement process to maintain the quality of their care.