dr hab. Agnieszka KISTER – prof. UMCS, Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie, Instytut Nauk o Zarządzaniu i Jakości, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Polska, e-mail: agnieszka.kister@mail.umcs.pl
Otrzymano/Received 11.12.2025. Przyjęto/Accepted 15.12.2025
pp. 14-20
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to highlight the essence and significance of using quality assessment indicators in healthcare in Germany, France, and Italy. The article examines the measurement of care quality across three domains: structure, process, and outcomes in accordance with Donabedian’s framework. It also outlines the benefits of using indicator-based analyses, as well as the challenges associated with their implementation.
Design/methodology/approach: A critical analysis of the literature was conducted, encompassing scientific articles accessible through Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases. International reports and data from specialist healthcare websites were also used.
Findings/conclusions: In the EU countries analyzed, notable variations emerge in the approaches used to monitor the quality of healthcare. These differences pertain both to the methodological scope of indicator-based assessment and to the degree of patient-centered orientation embedded within the respective evaluation frameworks.
Research limitations: The analysis of indicators was carried out for only a few European Union countries. Practical implications: The results may contribute to further discussion on healthcare quality measures, particularly those focused on the patient.
Originality/value: The study contributes to the existing body of scientific knowledge by highlighting the different approaches to monitoring and evaluating healthcare quality in the healthcare systems of many countries. The results of the study show that, despite the common health policy objectives of the EU, the EU countries indicated the use of different sets of indicators. It was found that the development of quality indicators is closely linked to the digitization of health systems, data availability, and healthcare financing mechanisms. A new element presented in the article is the identification of trends indicating the growing importance of indicators reflecting continuity, coordination, and safety of care.
Keywords
healthcare, EU countries, healthcare quality, quality assessment indicators