Simple Rules for the 21st Century Health Care System
| Current Approach | New Rule |
|---|---|
| Source: Institute of Medicine. Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001. | |
| Care is based primarily on visits | Care is based on continuous healing relationships |
| Professional autonomy drives variability | Care is customized according to patient needs and values |
| Professionals control care | The patient is the source of control |
| Information is a record | Knowledge is shared and information flows freely |
| Decision making is based on training and experience | Decision making is evidence-based |
| Do no harm is an individual responsibility | Safety is a system property |
| Secrecy is necessary | Transparency is necessary |
| The system reacts to needs | Needs are anticipated |
| Cost reduction is sought | Waste is continuously decreased |
| Preference is given to professional roles rather than the system | Cooperation among clinicians is a priority |