| Objective | Enhance overall performance and efficiency | Ensure compliance with established standards |
| Focus | Continuous improvement and innovation | Maintaining quality and preventing errors |
| Methodology | Data-driven strategies, Lean, Six Sigma | Standard operating procedures, audits, inspections |
| Scope | Broad, encompassing all aspects of healthcare delivery | Specific, focused on predefined quality standards |
| Approach | Proactive and preventative | Reactive and corrective |
| Stakeholder Involvement | Involves all levels of staff and management | Primarily management and quality control teams |
| Tools and Techniques | Process mapping, root cause analysis, performance metrics | Checklists, audits, compliance checks |
| Duration | Ongoing, long-term initiatives | Periodic reviews and assessments |
| Outcome Measurement | Measured by improved performance metrics | Measured by adherence to standards and fewer errors |
| Flexibility | Flexible, adapts to new challenges and opportunities | More rigid, focused on maintaining current standards |
| Innovation | Encourages innovative solutions and practices | Limited scope for innovation |
| Cost | May involve higher initial costs for training and implementation | Generally lower costs focused on compliance |
| Regulatory Compliance | Aligns with regulations through performance improvements | Ensures direct compliance with regulatory standards |
| Training and Education | Extensive training on improvement methodologies | Training on standard procedures and compliance |
| Employee Engagement | High, involving staff in continuous improvement | Moderate, focused on compliance adherence |
| Risk Management | Identifies and mitigates risks proactively | Addresses risks through adherence to standards |
| Patient Outcomes | Aims to significantly improve patient outcomes | Ensures patient safety and standard care |
| Implementation Time | Longer, due to comprehensive changes | Shorter, focused on compliance |
| Sustainability | Long-term sustainability through continuous improvement | Sustainable as long as standards are maintained |
| Examples | Implementing new care models, improving patient flow | Regular audits, certification programs |
