Enhanced quality through outcome-focused standardized care plans.

Methods to improve the quality of care are a national issue for home healthcare agencies. In comparison with the traditional process-focused care plans, outcome-focused care plans (OCPs) resulted in significantly better quality indicator scores for clients cared for by agency staff members. Although OCPs are a valuable tool for enhancing quality, tools are only as good as the individuals who use them. Before deciding to change to an OCP format, administrators must assess all resources needed to effect the change.