The cycle of quality as a model for improving health outcomes in the treatment of hypertension

Considerable progress has been made in diagnosing and treating chronic diseases such as hypertension. However, ongoing improvements in methods for characterizing the impact of long-term diseases provide strong evidence that a substantial gap still exists between knowledge and its successful application. We have developed a conceptual model for improving healthcare outcomes, known as the 'cycle of quality', which enables clinicians, researchers, and administrators to develop new knowledge bases and put new treatment strategies into practice, while also allowing continuous feedback and education from measurement of the results of these therapeutic approaches. We discuss the application of the cycle of quality to the treatment and prevention of hypertension in the specific context of a programme exploring a community-oriented approach to healthcare. © The European Society of Cardiology 2007. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Robert M. Califf Medicine, Cardiology