We strive to ensure that our qualified personnel deliver state-of-the-art care and services and that quality care is evident in all services provided to, or on behalf of, those we serve.
Improving Patient Care Aim
We seek to develop a pathway towards a fundamentally redesigned system of care that is grounded in the diverse cultures and values of each community served.
We will provide accessible patient-centered systems that promote safe, timely, effective, efficient, and equitable care that is sustainable. TCC will become the provider and employer of choice in Alaska’s health care system.
Our providers and staff support the definition of Quality Health as: Understanding our patient needs by doing the right things in the right ways by the right people with the right outcome and asking ourselves, ‘how can we improve?’
Our Objectives
- To monitor patient care standards, identify and track outcome measures through the use of internal and external benchmarking, identify problems; identify, implement and evaluate resolutions.
- Maintain and improve the delivery of quality health care through identification of opportunities for improvement.
- To actively seek input from those we serve to identify their needs and their feedback on services provided.
- To provide guidance through the process of obtaining and maintaining accreditation by nationally recognized accreditation agencies (such as Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), COLA lab accreditation, American Diabetes Association (ADA))
- To provide a foundation for complying with regulations as installed through accrediting, state – and federal agencies (AAAHC, CARF, COLA, ADA, CMS, and HRSA).
- To support all staff within Health Services in their commitment to continuously improve the care and services provided by TCC Health Services.
- To ensure that clinical staff providing care to those we serve are quality healthcare professionals who are qualified to provide care through a comprehensive credentialing process.
Aspects of Quality Care
Effectiveness / Appropriateness of Care – Clinical care provided is appropriate for the medical condition or symptoms presented. Clinical care results in improved health or has the potential to improve health. Health instruction and preventative care are incorporated in the total care provided.
Continuity of Care – The treatment plan progresses in a timely fashion without obstacles. Care Coordination is provided when different providers / services are involved and streamlining / coordination of follow- up is necessary. Referrals to outside facilities are tracked until resolution or returned for primary care. Patients are seen by their primary care provider or another member of the care team at each visit.
Patient Rights – Patient rights are outlined in the patient rights and responsibilities policy, and include the right that privacy and confidentiality are maintained, and grievances and complaints will be resolved.
Patient Responsibilities / Compliance – Patient responsibilities are outlined in the patient rights and responsibilities policy and include the assumed responsibility for following through with the health care plan, engage in behavior that will promote their health and apply for alternate funding resources when applicable.
Patient Risk Minimization – Measures are in place to reduce medical risk to the patient, such as drug profiles, medication reconciliation, allergy documentation. Safety and infection control measures in place are based on State and Federal regulations.
Patient Satisfaction – Patients are satisfied with the degree to which health care services provided meet their expectations. Satisfaction includes being satisfied with the appointment process, waiting times, availability of providers, actual care given, staff conduct and financial arrangements.
Staff Performance – Knowledge, skills, proficiency and effectiveness of clinical staff will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure quality of patient care. Competency training will be provided annually. Credentialing, and peer review, and clinical chart audits based on national standards of care are incorporated as quality measures for licensed and certified professionals.
Access to Care – The ability of patients to obtain needed health care services will be reviewed to discover potential barriers (e.g. geographical, organizational, financial, and cultural).
Cost of Services – The concern for the cost of care will be demonstrated by ensuring that patients receive care relevant to their needs by use of the least expensive alternate resources when suitable. The Indian Health Services medical priority list will be used when prioritizing is needed.
It is important to us that you are satisfied with the quality of care and services you receive while you are a patient at any of the our locations. To help uphold this high standard we offer many patient support services including patient advocacy, handbooks and guides, and ways that you can communicate your concerns to us.