What is a potential drawback of relying solely on Quality Assurance?

Relying solely on Quality Assurance can indeed lead to neglecting care for the majority of patients. Quality Assurance primarily focuses on ensuring that processes and services meet established standards. While this is crucial for maintaining a baseline level of care, an exclusive emphasis on Quality Assurance can result in a narrow focus that overlooks the individual needs and personal circumstances of the patient population.

This can create a situation where the assessment of care quality does not account for variations in patient needs or fail to adapt to changing circumstances within the healthcare environment. As a consequence, the quality of care provided may not be optimal for all patients, potentially leaving some patients underserved.

In contrast, approaches that incorporate Quality Improvement alongside Quality Assurance tend to prioritize patient-centered care, actively considering the diverse experiences and outcomes of all patients. Engaging with patient feedback and continuously adapting to their needs can lead to better health outcomes and satisfaction across the board.