Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

When are quality assurance goals and performance targets developed?

1. Concurrently

2. Continuously

3. Prospectively

4. Retrospectively

The correct answer is: Prospectively

Quality assurance goals and performance targets are typically developed prospectively, meaning they are established before the processes and activities are implemented. This forward-thinking approach allows organizations to set clear expectations and benchmarks that guide their operations and practices. By establishing these goals in advance, healthcare facilities can ensure that their quality assurance programs are aligned with their strategic objectives and meet the needs of their patients and stakeholders. This prospective development is crucial because it enables organizations to identify potential issues and areas for improvement before they occur, facilitating a proactive rather than reactive stance on quality assurance. The clarity and direction provided by these predetermined goals serve as a roadmap for monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement in healthcare quality. The other options suggest different timing for goal development. Concurrently implies setting goals at the same time as conducting activities, which may not provide the necessary structure. Continuously signifies an ongoing process rather than a defined moment for goal-setting, and retrospectively means developing goals after the fact, which can lead to missed opportunities for improvement if problems are recognized only after they've occurred.