Continuous quality improvement : A proposal for Arabian Gulf Medical Associations

Having well-established and active medical associations in the Arabian Gulf countries is a promising event. Ideally, however, it must be assured that these associations are efficiently and effectively functioning in a manner designed to serve the ultimate goal of promoting the standards of the medical profession and thus, the quality of health care in the region. This paper is designed to promote the application of Continuous Quality Improvement principles by the medical associations in the Arabian Gulf. The paper is presented in a general format so as to allow for appropriate modifications according to the specific objectives of different medical associations. The indicators identified in this proposal to assess the quality of structure, process or outcome are not intended as a comprehensive list. Rather, the authors aim at establishing a framework on which various fine-tuned and appropriately tailored systems can be based.