Computerized data bases: an integrated approach to monitoring quality of patient care.

Common information is shared by rehabilitation program evaluation, utilization review, and quality assurance. These administrative functions sometimes operate in isolation, not taking advantage of information sharing. This approach fails to recognize the potential for increased efficiency of integrating pertinent information to produce timely and useful reports. We report on a system design which addresses this concern by encouraging information sharing, reducing data duplication and creating a data base to produce needed statistical and management reports. Our discussion highlights the key elements of program evaluation, utilization review, and quality assurance. These elements are described as an integrated approach to meet the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and revised Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals standards.