Why we do this work

The purpose of the Partner for Quality Care initiative is to improve the quality of health care in Oregon through collaboration. This website is dedicated to providing Oregonians with information they can use to help them get quality health care. When we discuss quality health care, we mean:

• Care that works -- you should be given the type of care that medical research has shown works best to catch health problems early, find out what's wrong, and treatments that help the most with the fewest side effects.
• As safe as possible -- your health care should help you and not cause you harm.
• Timely -- you should get as much care as you need as soon as you need it, but no unnecessary care.
• Tailored to you -- your care should be given by health professionals who are skilled, knowledgeable, and respectful. They should be clear communicators and involve you in decisions about your care.

But isn't all health care quality care?

     No -- unfortunately, all health care is not quality care.

While this definition of "quality health care" may seem obvious, research shows that health care quality varies in Oregon. People do not always get the same care across the state, or even within the same city. Studies have found that a good deal of health care does not measure up to quality standards. For example:

• Many patients are not given the type of treatment that research has shown to work best for their condition. Instead, they are given other care that doesn't work as well.
• Many patients are not able to get the care they need. Or they do not get care as soon as they need it.
• Many patients get unsafe care, such as being given the wrong medicine.

We want you to know the powerful role you can play in getting care that works, is safe, timely and tailored to you. When patients are informed and involved, they get better care. For more tips about how to be informed and involved, check out the rest of our site.

For more information about what quality health care is, why it's important and how to get it, download and print this brochure.