Embedding quality improvement and patient safety — the UCLA value analysis experience

Despite pressure from various governmental and non-governmental groups and agencies in the US, many physicians continue to resist the need to measure and improve their clinical practices. Physicians do, however, willingly engage in the process of technology assessment so that new innovations can be introduced into their clinical activities. Technology assessment can be incorporated into a medical staff committee process called value analysis, resulting in both cost savings and cost avoidance. By including a requirement that some approved healthcare technology is monitored for safety and effectiveness within their institutions, members of a medical staff at several academic medical centers within UCLA Healthcare participated eagerly in patient safety and quality improvement programs.