To assess the quality of some aspects of medical hospital care an explicit review instrument (a ''criteria map'') was developed on the basis of available evidence and consensus statements. The criteria are presented as ‘optimal care trajectories’, which depend on the patient''s clinical profile. The criteria map was applied in a study of 738 stroke patients over 45 years of age. We observed for 44% of the 738 studied patients one or more deviations from the optimal care trajectory with respect to at least one of five important aspects of medical care (CT scan, reversal of anticoagulation, treatment of hypertension, anti-platelet therapy, and evaluation of carotid arteries). The frequency of deviations from optimal care increased with patients'' age and level of disability. We conclude that the criteria map is a reliable tool for case-by-case review of the quality of care.

Keywords:
Hospitalization, Stroke assessment, Quality of health care, Netherlands
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1997 S. Karger AG, Basel
1997
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.