The quintuple aim for healthcare improvement
The five elements (listed below) of the quintuple aim for healthcare form the foundation of these Standards:
- improving the patient experience
- population health outcomes
- cost-efficiency of healthcare
- provider wellbeing
- health equity
Patient experience
For the purpose of accreditation, the Standards prioritise and recognise the importance of the patient experience, through the principle of person-centred care. In other words, the Standards aim to put patients' needs, values and preferences at the forefront of care so that they are empowered to take an active role in their own healthcare. Criteria related to the practice environment, and how patients access services, communicate with the practice, and provide feedback address the patient experience.
Population health
The Standards promote preventive care and access to evidence-based services. A digital and data-based approach to collecting health information as promoted in the Standards helps practices understand and manage the health of the practice's patient population, as well as implement continuous quality improvement. Criteria related to health promotion and preventive care and environmental sustainability further address population health in the Standards.
Reducing costs
By encouraging general practices to continuously improve, reduce waste, and effectively allocate resources, the Standards aim to reduce the costs of primary care, thus helping to decrease the burden on the healthcare system.
Practice team wellbeing
The Standards promote the wellbeing of the practice team by encouraging:
- collaboration and communication
- patient care and safety
- efficiency
- induction, training and continued professional development
- involvement and input from all members of the practice team
- a positive culture that supports each team member’s safety, health, and wellbeing.
Health equity
The Standards promote equitable healthcare through:
- culturally appropriate care
- continued quality improvement principles
- promotion of accessible healthcare
- optimal management of patient health data.