Quality Assurance ‐ Choice for the Individual

The article discusses the use of a systematic approach to quality as an essential prerequisite for any health authority′s purchases of health care for its resident population, and also outlines the West Dorset philosophy, describing the implementation of a quality assurance programme under the following headings: Standards Definition; Auditing and Monitoring Standards Service Review and Improved Resource Use; Customer Care; Outcomes of Care; and Organisational Audit and Accreditation. It summarises two recent and ongoing initiatives, “Seeking Consumer Views” and “Asking GPs about Strengths and Weaknesses of Local Health Services”.