The WHO definition of quality of care is “the extent to which health care services provided to individuals and patient populations improve desired health outcomes. In order to achieve this, health care must be safe, effective, timely, efficient, equitable and people-centered.”
Components of Health (WHO)
Safe. Delivering health care that minimizes risks and harm to service users, including avoiding preventable injuries and reducing medical errors.
Effective. Providing services based on scientific knowledge and evidence-based guidelines.
Timely. Reducing delays in providing and receiving health care.
Efficient. Delivering health care in a manner that maximizes resource use and avoids waste.
Equitable. Delivering health care that does not differ in quality according to personal characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, geographical location or socioeconomic status.
People-centered. Providing care that takes into account the preferences and aspirations of individual service users and the culture of their community