Implementing Quality of Care Measures: Lessons from a Standardized Patient Study in Seven Provinces of China

ABSTRACT

Procedures are strictly followed to ensure all research conduct is ethical, and the data reveal levels of appropriate and inappropriate care provided.3 It is important to recognize how these data differ from medical records and why USP data should not be considered a substitute for real-patient data or vice versa. Because of standardization, USP data allow researchers to examine the care provided in response to the same patient presentation by different providers composing an intentionally designed sample. Because the underlying condition is known (predetermined) by the researchers, several crucial advantages exist over other data types. [...]how a provider arrives at a specific diagnosis through the process of analyzing patient history and conducting physical examinations, known as differential diagnosis, can be accurately evaluated. [...]the use of technology throughout the entire SP implementation process from design to data collection, including monitoring, appeared essential for reducing expenditures without sacrificing implementation fidelity.