Private healthcare is regulated by Department of Health under Cap. 633 and Code of Practice. In addition to strictly compile on the statutory requirement, challenges include governance, financial risk, patient and doctor trust, manpower shortage and upholding professional standard. Developing quality and safety (Q&S) culture with robust infrastructure is vital for sustainable development and maintenance of the private healthcare. Healthcare team with partnership, trust and quality improvement mindset are elements of Q&S culture promoting patient safety, staff wellness and patient/visitor experience. Q&S infrastructure includes 5 components: Quality and Safety Committee (QSC), Quality and Safety Department (QSD), Incident and Complaint management, Credentialing and Hospital Privilege. They are governed by Hospital Management Committee (HMC) and Medical Advisory Committee (MAC).
Effective collaboration of these 5 components maintain high quality and safe services to patients. For example, QSC and QSD mutually support each other for operation and maintenance of Q&S activities. When necessary, financial and legal experts would be invited for assistance. Certain incidents would be referred to Internal Review Committee and External Review Committee by HMC. Their recommendations would be considered for minimizing future similar incidents or complaints. Credentialing policies on professions are crucial for building a high quality team. Doctors are required to apply for hospital privilege to Hospital Privilege Committee (HPC). Depending on training background and any disciplinary actions, HPC together with HMC and MAC could grant, temporarily suspend and withdraw the privilege. Clinical Audit and Research, and Accreditation and Inspection by external parties are another fundamental Q&S activities. Monitoring and evaluations identify quality gap and facilitate strategic planning whereas inspections by external parties examine compliance on the ordinance and achievement of international standards
In summary, Q&S is a culture supported by a robust infrastructure. Private healthcare providers should strive to maintain the highest standards of care to build and maintain trust with hospital management, staff, doctors and patients, which will lead to better outcomes for all.
