Ensuring Quality Surgical Care

Surgeons globally strive to provide high quality care to their patients; this chapter outlines how system level leadership can shape and support high quality surgical healthcare delivery. Below we provide definitions for quality surgical care as well as for the components of the system in which the care is delivered and which leaders must keep in mind. To ensure quality care is provided, measurement options are enumerated as well as quality improvement tools. Beyond the well-known process improvement tools, we describe safety I and II concepts and finally strategies for maintaining gains and engagement in the effort.