This is the first study across multiple countries of the European Union (EU) to assess relationships between quality management and patient outcomes at EU level. Authors collected data for the assessment of hospital-wide constructs from up to 30 randomly selected hospitals in each country, and additional data at pathway and patient level in 12 of these 30.

Data was gathered from 188 hospitals in 7 participating countries. The overall participation and response rate were between 75% and 100% for the assessed measures.

This is the first study assessing relation between quality management and patient outcomes at EU level. The study involved a large number of respondents and achieved high response rates. This work will serve to develop guidance in how to assess quality management and makes recommendations on the best ways to improve quality in healthcare for hospital stakeholders, payers, researchers, and policy makers throughout the EU.

• Mariona Secanell
• Oliver Groene
• Onyebuchi A. Arah, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
• et al