What would be an example of an outcome criterion in quality assurance?

An example of an outcome criterion in quality assurance is patient satisfaction rates post-discharge. Outcome criteria focus on the end results of care and how those results reflect the quality of service provided to patients. Patient satisfaction specifically measures the patients' perception of their care experience, including their contentment with treatment and overall service received. This metric is instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of care delivery and helps to inform improvements in patient-centered practices.

In contrast, compliance with insurance regulations deals with adherence to specific financial and administrative standards, which is not a direct measure of patient outcomes. Staff training completion rates, while important for ensuring a knowledgeable workforce, primarily assess processes rather than direct patient outcomes. Similarly, the cost of care per patient measures the financial aspect of healthcare delivery but does not reflect the quality or satisfaction experienced by the patient. Hence, focusing on patient satisfaction rates aligns directly with assessing the outcome of care provided in a home health setting, making it a fitting example of an outcome criterion in quality assurance.