Quality and safety in the time of <i>Coronavirus</i>: design better, learn faster
John Fitzsimons
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has required health systems to change much faster than normal. Many staff have experienced training in quality improvement and patient safety methods which can be used to support the design of new systems and to accelerate learning about new and adapted practices. This article sets out the principles of quality improvement and patient safety science, applying them in a selection of approaches, methods and tools, which may be useful in crisis situations such as the current pandemic. The article also makes reference to several resources which may be of use to those keen to advance their knowledge.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Patient safetyPandemicQuality (philosophy)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Computer scienceRisk analysis (engineering)Selection (genetic algorithm)Quality managementCoronavirusProcess managementHealth careMedicineOperations managementBusinessArtificial intelligenceEngineeringPolitical scienceVirologyManagement systemDiseaseEpistemologyLawPhilosophyPathologyOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)Patient Safety and Medication ErrorsDisaster Response and ManagementQuality and Safety in Healthcare