Which of the following is not an example of the main forces of future change in healthcare delivery service?

Rationale:

A. For integration to create negotiating power: This option describes a strategic reason for healthcare integration but does not directly relate to the need for long-term care (LTC).

B. For continuity of care after hospitalization: Long-term care (LTC) is often needed when

individuals require ongoing support with activities of daily living or medical care after being discharged from a hospital, rehabilitation facility, or other acute care setting.

C. For physicians maintain their independence and autonomy: This option describes a potential motive for physicians but does not directly relate to the need for long-term care.

D. For joint owners to diversify into new services: This option describes a business strategy but does not directly relate to the need for long-term care.

Rationale:

A. Indicates higher performance and better clinical and health outcomes: Quality in patient care refers to the degree to which healthcare services improve patient outcomes, prevent harm, and achieve desired clinical results. It encompasses aspects such as effectiveness, safety, timeliness, efficiency, equity, and patient-centeredness.

B. Medical practice guidelines: While medical practice guidelines are important tools for guiding clinical decision-making, they are not synonymous with quality in patient care, which involves broader considerations of performance and outcomes.

C. Constitute a plan for managing a clinical problem based on evidence: This describes evidence- based practice, which is an important aspect of delivering high-quality care but does not encompass the entirety of quality in patient care.

D. Provide protocols to guide physicians' clinical decisions: Clinical protocols and guidelines can help standardize care and improve consistency, but they are not the sole determinant of quality in patient care, which encompasses broader dimensions of performance and outcomes.