The Official Journal of the
National Association for Healthcare Quality

Guest Editorial: The Business Role of Healthcare Quality Professionals
Daniel H. van Leeuwen

Monitoring Patient Improvement and Treatment Outcomes in Managed Behavioral Health Francisca Azocar, Brian Cuffel, Joyce McCulloch, John F. McCabe, Shanna Tani, Benjamin B. Brodey

Abstract: This study examined the use of outcome reports sent to clinicians by a managed behavioral healthcare organization to monitor patient progress and its relation to treatment outcome.

Improving Communication and Documentation Concerning Preliminary and Final Radiology Reports Ann Gorman, Lisa Donnell, Holly Hepp, Tammy Mack

Abstract: Froedtert Hospital (Milwaukee, WI) used the Six Sigma process to improve its process for documenting radiologic findings, communicating preliminary and final interpretations, and identifying discrepancies.

Trends in Avoidable Populations for Children in Florida from 1992 to 2003
Etienne Pracht, Barbara Langland-Orban

Abstract: Trends in avoidable hospitalizations were examined to determine whether improved access following post-1997 Balanced Budget Act expansions in public health insurance programs resulted in a decreased rate among affected populations, particularly children of ages 0–19 years.

Glycemic Control and Use of the Insulin Sliding Scale in Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes 
Renee J. Freedman, Susan L. Samson, Alun L. Edwards, Jeffrey P. Schaefer, Danielle A. Southern, Hude Quan, William A. Ghali

Abstract: This study assessed the extent of use of the subcutaneous insulin sliding scale (ISS) with hospitalized medical patients and examined the association between ISS use and glucose control.

A Physician Self-Assessment Tool for Quality Improvement
Linda S. Kahn, Chester H. Fox, Diane E. Berdine, Julia Krause-Kelly, Vijayalakshmi Raghu

Abstract: A physician self-assessment (PSA) tool was evaluated as an alternative to full chart reviews to assess guideline adherence. The findings suggest that the PSA, combined with random chart audits, can be a viable alternative to full chart reviews.

Interview with a Quality Leader: William L. Roper on Medication Safety 
Michelle Horvath

William L. Roper, MD MPH, is CEO of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health Care System at UNC–Chapel Hill. Currently the chair of the board of directors of the National Quality Forum, he previously served as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Quality Toolbox: Evidence-Based Monitoring for Metabolic Syndrome in Clients with Chronic Schizophrenia 
Deborra M. Torres

This article provides an overview of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia and evidence-based criteria for monitoring this population. A recommendation is made to aggregate data collection in one place to facilitate follow-up. A sample form and letter are provided.

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