To the Editor: The Journal is to be commended for this important discussion on quality improvement (QI) by Millar1 and Runciman.2 It is important to understand that if doctors are not engaged in changes to health service provision, including QI, such changes will be ineffective.3 Not surprisingly, unengaged doctors can “prove” the lack of an effect of a QI initiative and return to doing what they have always done.
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- 1. Millar JA. Is money spent on quality improvement better spent on health care? — Yes. Med J Aust 2011; 194: 640. <MJA full text>
- 2. Runciman WB. Is money spent on quality improvement better spent on health care? — No. Med J Aust 2011; 194: 641. <MJA full text>
- 3. Wilkinson J, Powell A, Davies H. Are clinicians engaged in quality improvement? A review of the literature on healthcare professionals’ views on quality improvement initiatives. London: The Health Foundation, 2011. http://www. health.org.uk/public/cms/75/76/313/2440/Are%20clinicians%20engaged%20in% 20quality%20improvement.pdf?realName=y8NfS4.pdf (accessed Sep 2011).
- 4. Brennan T, Blank L, Cohen J, et al. Medical professionalism in the new millenium: a physician charter. Ann Intern Med 2002; 136: 243-246.
- 5. Professional Qualities Curriculum. Physician and Paediatrician Training Program. Sydney: Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 2009.
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