Quality, Value, Variation in Orthopedics
Quality, outcomes, and value are drivers of the evaluation of care, and orthopedic surgeons need to become familiar with these common terms, and how they apply to orthopedic care. Much of the care provided to patients by orthopedic surgeons offers improvement in function, reduction in pain, and improved work capabilities and physical independence. Each of these improvements are directly relevant to quality and value. In addition to outcomes, orthopedic surgeons can improve the value of patient care by making care more efficient, less wasteful of limited resources, and reduce irrational variation in care whenever possible.