Quality assurance as a management tool.

Quality assurance activities are no longer merely a luxury of the research-minded group practice. They have become essential in the face of today's federal laws, accreditation requirements, and competitive market. The authors examine the traditional lack of enthusiasm for quality assurance programs (QAPs) and seek to determine how the ambulatory medical care facility can maximize returns on the investment of the quality assurance dollar. An analysis of the working system of the Park Nicollet Medical Center in Minneapolis provides a list of attributes of a successful program as well as sample problems to be addressed and benefits to be accrued. Not only will the quality of patient care services be improved through the implementation of a practical QAP, but an organization can save itself from the waste of operating inefficiencies.