To ensure continuance of this quality, a report card, measuring the performance of each military treatment facility, has been developed by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. The data is derived from patient surveys and from automated data collection systems. The report card provides a way for us to compare trends and to look at ourselves as we strive to improve health care to our beneficiaries. It is not only important to provide quality care, but care must be perceived by our customers as high-quality care. Beneficiary satisfaction surveys within our Region show a large majority of customers are satisfied.
Variation is the enemy of quality.
Clinical practice guidelines and clinical pathways are road maps used to reduce unwanted variation and to maximize the quality of care rendered. The use of clinical practice guidelines, the adaptation of locally specific clinical pathways, and the sharing of information will enable us to achieve our overall goals of improving clinical outcomes, conserving resources, and improving patient satisfaction. Our office and TriWest have established a quality oversight process that includes both the Direct Care System and the civilian network. Therefore, our beneficiaries can be assured that their healthcare is monitored regardless of the location of their care. Our beneficiaries are receiving quality care.