Date of Award

1993

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Henry C. Wessman

Keywords

Quality Assurance, Health Care -- North Dakota

Abstract

This independent study report presents a literature review on the development and transformation of the field of quality assurance. Topic areas covered in the review include the role and contributions played by key individuals, government, the Joint Commission, total quality management/continuous quality improvement (TOM/Cal) theory and methods, and the American Physical Therapy Association.

The study also reports the results of a survey performed to ascertain what physical therapy departments in North Dakota hospitals are currently doing in regard to fulfilling quality assurance requirements. A relative lack of emphasis on the monitoring and assessment of treatment goals and patient outcomes, therapist education in the area of TOM/Cal in particular and quality assurance in general, and the differences between JCAHO and state standards were noted areas of concern. The report concludes with a discussion of the methods by which therapists can become more active and knowledgeable in OA/I theory and methodology.

COinS