is written as a basic text to describe the key components of medical quality management. As such, this text has applicability for novices, committed students, and seasoned practitioners within the field. Each chapter has been designed for a review of the essential background, precepts, and exemplary practices within the topical area. A common format is followed within the chapters to provide structure to the authors' comments, including useful learning objectives, case studies, inter-chapter cross-references, and scholarly references. Each chapter seeks to reliably capture the essential elements that will allow a diligent reader to establish a practical fluency in the topic. The chapter authors are all highly-trained experts in their topical areas and have summarized their extensive knowledge and experiences into exceptionally well-researched and written text. While many healthcare professionals have become engaged in medical quality management activities over the course of their clinical careers, only a few have received any formal training or orientation in the field during their undergraduate or postgraduate professional training. During their formative training, medical and nursing students and residents may become aware that some licensed professionals are involved in utilization review, quality improvement, and risk management activities; however, few are aware of the rich scientific base and health tradition that frames the field. This book is a basic primer for these healthcare professionals as they embark on their journey to become more knowledgeable in medical quality management.weiterlesen