Tools

The World Health Organization Performance Assessment Tool for quality improvement in Hospitals (PATH): an analysis of the pilot implementation in 37 hospitals
O Groene, N Klazinga, V Kazandjian, P Lombrail, P Bartels
International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2008, 20(3), pp155-161
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Click here to access the tool.

Research

Editorial: Quality of care as a field of research: what we published, 2004-2007
T Perneger
International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2008, 20(3), pp153-154
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Using existing systematic reviews in complex systematic reviews
EP Whitlock, JS Lin, R Chou, P Shekelle, KA Robinson
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2008, 148(10), pp776-782
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Health Informatics

Improving disease reporting by clinicians: the effect of an Internet-based intervention
LD Ward, CV Spain, MJ Perilla, KH Morales, DR Linkin
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 2008, 14(1), pp56-61
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Quality Measurement

Review: how do hospital organizational structure and processes affect quality of care? A critical review of research methods
LR Hearld; JA Alexander, I Fraser, HJ Jiang
Medical Care Research and Review, 2008, 65(3), pp259-299
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Performance Measurement

An international review of projects on hospital performance assessment
O Groene, JKH Skau, A Frohlich
International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2008, 20(3), pp162-171
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Service Improvement

A practical guide to integrated working
Integrated Care Network
February 2008
The guide offers updated case studies, policy context, and guidance notes for those seeking to further integrate health and social care services, and outlines some of the central challenges experienced in local care economies. Click here to download the guide or order hard copies via mbicn@dh.gsi.gov.uk

NHS sees a steady rise in patient satisfaction over five years
L Eaton
British Medical Journal, 2008, 14th May
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NHS Athens passwords are required to access this resource, and can be obtained from the National Library for Health.

Quality Improvement

When students become stakeholders in quality improvement
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement collects Improvement Stories. This is one example, describing how involving students and residents in quality improvement can improve projects, as well as motivating and arming them with tools for success that can have a lasting effect. Click here to read more.