MPH/HSMP 2007-2008: CC1: DHS: GI: Quality standards & Ethical principles for the provision of public-interest health services

this topic is the part of CC1: General introduction by Professor JP Unger

                  These 10 principles of quality standard may help to motivate health professionals by bridging the gap between their professional and social-political identity. The 1^st to 7^th items are the principles that focus on the interest of the individual and the 8^th to 10^th are the principles related to the interests of the community.

1. Right to access health services (quality & ability to pay)
2. The quality of care (focused on the patient & continuous)
3. Clinical practice (effective & based on evidence & patient and community involved in clinical decision & concern for efficiency)
4. Enhancing the patient’s autonomy (recognizes & respects the patient’s capacity of taking decision)
5. Existing of the necessity of a balance (effectiveness& efficiency and patient centered care & patient’s autonomy)
6. Using knowledge for the patient’s good
7. Recognizing the multiple causes of disease & committing to broader activities to promote good health & prevent disease
8. The satisfaction of basic needs is a human right: food, accommodation, education & health (stimulate solidarity between the rich & the poor, the healthy & the ill, the seriously & moderately ill)
9. Decision on the provision of public health services based on equity (a responsible & transparent manner to prioritize the health care activity)
10. The public provision of care should be holistic & sensible to gender and culture at all levels of services (Reinforce the capacity of self-care of the individual & the community)

 These ten principles are very useful to public health manager to set health services activities in community to achieve public goals.

Phichet Banyati,

November 11, 2007.

Antwerp