Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #120231

Jeffrey D. Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Quality Assurance, County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services-Public Health, 313 N. Figueroa St., Room 227 B, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 250-8688, jgunzenhauser@dhs.co.la.ca.us

In 2003, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services-Public Health launched an initiative to improve the effectiveness of organizational activities through a focus on performance. The initiative addressed the key elements of quality (structure, process, and outcomes) at both the organizational and program level.

At the organizational level, cross-cutting processes that affect the performance of all programs were identified and monitored through an annual report card. This was first published for CY 2003 and continues a key tool for organizational accountability. At the program level, a strategy was adopted to link important population outcomes with program roles and performance. Each of thirty-eight programs developed measures to monitor annual performance of roles related to evidence-based strategies.

Information on both organizational and program goals and measures have been made available to all employees in the organization. Performance measurement as a means to improving quality is an essential part of the department's strategic plan. As a result of this initiative, a standardized approach to performance measurement has enhanced intra-organizational collaboration and public accountability.

Learning Objectives:

• See session objectives

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation