Regulating Quality of Care / שיפור הפיקוח על איכות הטיפול

• Published in: גרונטולוגיה 1994-12 (67), p.11-25
• Main Authors: פליישמן, רחל, מזרחי, גד, דיניה, אאידה, ולק, דרור, שירזי, ויקי, שפירא, אילה, Fleishman, Rachel, Mizrachi, Gad, Dynia, Aida, Walk, Dror, Shirazi, Vicki, Shapira, Ayala
• Format: Article
• Language: Hebrew
• ISSN: 0334-2360; 2410-7085

The JDC–Brookdale Institute of Gerontology, in collaboration with Israel's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and Ministry of Health, has developed a program to improve government regulation of long-term care institutions for the elderly, and thus the quality of institutional care. The aim of the program was to introduce greated uniformity and objectivity into the existing surveillance system, increase the participation of institution residents, and ensure public access to instruments and criteria. The RAF method for Regulation, Assessment, Follow-up and continous improvement of quality of care-based on the tracer approach and the quality assurance model was developed. Tracers and additional indicators of care representing the medical, nursing, psychosocial and environmental-operational areas were developed in consultation with specialists in each field. The program was welcomed by surveillance personnel, and implemented on a nation-wide basis. Although there have been difficulties with its implementation, these have largely been resolved through discussion, workshops and supplementary training for surveyors. At present, the RAF method is used by both ministries in their regulatory system on regular basis. Due to the Program's success, new programs are being developed to improve the regulation of other kinds of services.