Towards a framework for the continual improvement of healthcare

Abstract

Quality improvement has become an integral part of healthcare systems. Substantial improvements can only be expected through the creation of new systems. Transforming a healthcare organisation so that it is capable of continual improvement requires a specific framework. This framework includes the linking of professional knowledge (subject, discipline and values) and improvement knowledge (system, variation, psychology and theory of knowledge) to daily work. Improvement knowledge enables linking of the knowledge and interrelationships of the elements of a system, consideration of the type of variation, teamwork and motivation of participants and the use of prediction and measurement to link theory and action.