Question

• Contrast the definitions of implicit and explicit criteria in assessing health care quality. How is each type of criterion useful in quality assessment?

Answer 1

Implicit criteria assess the quality of standard of care of professionals in a specific environment. It assesses the baseline measures of quality care and quality of health care provider. For example, in a geriatric unit, the criteria used to assess the Standard of care in treating geriatric patients, the health care providers ability to meet the needs of the patient, ways of treatment measures followed in the departments are all monitored.

Explicit criteria are the assessment of the written form of standards in healthcare. Usually, it assesses the practices, principles, procedures, and guidelines followed in the clinical practice. Measures are taken to meet the standards and health outcome of the patient in clinical protocols. e.g Professional organization, International Organization, and accrediting organization. Each criterion must be

• Reliable: All standards must be equal.
• Realistic: The standards must utilize the available resources.
• Measurable: Standards should be measurable.
• Valid and clear: The standards should be acceptable and understandable.