What aspect does CQI strive to address within EMS systems?

CQI, or Continuous Quality Improvement, is a systematic process aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of services, particularly within emergency medical services (EMS) systems. The primary focus of CQI is on improving patient outcomes and overall system efficiency by evaluating and refining protocols, practices, and outcomes. This involves gathering and analyzing data on patient care, response times, and treatment effectiveness to identify areas where improvements can be made.

While decreasing operational costs, enhancing public perception of EMS services, and increasing training hours for paramedics are important considerations within EMS, they do not encapsulate the core aim of CQI. Instead, these factors may be outcomes or secondary benefits of a more efficient system that CQI seeks to cultivate. By focusing on patient outcomes and system efficiency, CQI directly impacts the quality of care provided, ultimately leading to better health results for patients and more streamlined operations for EMS systems.