What is a key focus of the CPHIMS exam in relation to quality improvement?

The emphasis on structure, process, and outcomes in health services is central to quality improvement initiatives in healthcare. This framework, often referred to as Donabedian's model, provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating the quality of care.

Structure refers to the attributes of the settings where care occurs, including facilities, technology, and personnel. Process involves the methods and procedures used in delivering care, which can greatly affect patient outcomes. Finally, outcomes pertain to the results of healthcare interventions, including patient health status and satisfaction. By focusing on these three aspects, healthcare organizations can systematically analyze and enhance the quality of care delivered to patients.

This holistic understanding is critical for healthcare professionals looking to implement effective quality improvement strategies, making it a key focus of the CPHIMS exam. Other topics, while important in their respective areas, do not directly encompass the broader spectrum of quality improvement as defined by the structured approach of assessing healthcare quality.