Keywords

community health centers, quality assurance, process assessment

 

Authors

  1. Braun, Barbara I. PhD
  2. Owens, Linda K. PhD
  3. Bartman, Barbara A. MD, MPH
  4. Berkeley, Lon MS
  5. Wineman, Nicole MA, MPH, MBA
  6. Daly, Charles A. MHA

Abstract

Recent reports suggest the need for further study of the impact of organizational characteristics on quality-related activities in health centers. To better understand these issues, a cross-sectional assessment of quality-related activities in Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers was conducted using a mailed questionnaire. Associations between the extent and frequency of quality-related activities and organizational characteristics, including location, size, and accreditation status, were examined. In general, the frequency and type of most quality-related activities did not vary greatly by size and location, but differed by accreditation status. The findings can be explained in part by Health Resources and Services Administration/Bureau of Primary Health Care requirements and implementation of their Accreditation Initiative.