Table 1.

Quality dimensions and definitions²⁹

Quality dimension	Definition
Effective	Delivering healthcare that is adherent to an evidence base and results in improved health outcomes, for individuals and communities, based on need
Efficient	Delivering healthcare in a manner which maximizes resource use and avoids waste
Accessible	Delivering healthcare that is timely, geographically reasonable and provides in a setting where skills and resources are appropriate to medical need
Acceptable/patient centred	Delivering healthcare which takes into account the preferences and aspirations of individual service users and the cultures of their communities
Equitable	Delivering healthcare which does not vary in quality because of personal characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, geographical location or socioeconomic status
Safe	Delivering healthcare which minimizes risks and harm to service users