Which term refers to the process of continuous improvement in healthcare services?

The term that refers to the process of continuous improvement in healthcare services is Quality Improvement. This process is focused on enhancing patient care, improving health outcomes, and increasing operational efficiency within healthcare settings. Quality Improvement involves systematic efforts to identify areas for enhancement, implement changes, and measure the impact of those changes over time. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment and modification to better meet patient needs and healthcare standards.

In contrast, although Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management encompass elements of quality focus, they do not specifically prioritize the ongoing cycle of assessment and enhancement intrinsic to Quality Improvement. Quality Assurance generally centers around ensuring that established standards are met, whereas Total Quality Management is a broader business philosophy aimed at long-term success through customer satisfaction, which includes but is not limited to healthcare services. Emergency Management, on the other hand, relates to preparedness and response strategies during critical incidents and is not focused on continuous improvement in healthcare services.