Clinical quality management in Air Force optometry.

BACKGROUND

Promoting professional competence, providing quality care, and improving health care processes are issues of major importance in Air Force Optometry as well as the entire Air Force Medical Service.

METHODS

Clinical Quality Management is the mechanism through which these issues are addressed. Without a Quality Management Program, accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is impossible.

RESULTS

The two main components of Clinical Quality Management; the credentials/privileging process and quality assessment and improvement, are presented to discuss how they are used in Air Force Optometry.

CONCLUSION

Clinical Quality Management is not a perfect management method, but it does force professionals and organizations to constantly assess themselves in order to effect improvements.