Quality and patient safety: working together towards a quality culture with FlaQuM

Since 2022, UZ Leuven has been using the Flanders Quality Model, known as FlaQuM, an evidence-based quality model increasingly adopted by Flemish hospitals. Through 15 dimensions, the model defines what high-quality care means not only for patients and their families, but also for staff members.

Previously, JCI served for many years as the guiding framework for UZ Leuven’s quality policy. The clear guidelines of the Joint Commission International helped the hospital make great strides forward, primarily from a technical perspective. After four JCI surveys, the hospital needed a new, tailor-made quality model that also paid attention to non-technical aspects of quality.

In response to this need, the Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy developed the FlaQuM quality model. This model is based on a shared vision of quality. Through its 15 dimensions, it describes what high-quality care signifies for both patients and their relatives, as well as for the staff members. The four core values of care at its heart—kindness and empathy, acknowledging the person behind the patient, partnership, and dignity and respect—are closely aligned with UZ Leuven’s vision and values.

With this new model, UZ Leuven aims to foster a quality culture. The contribution of all departments, teams, and staff members is crucial, since delivering quality, high-standard care is the responsibility of every UZ Leuven employee.

Last edit: 8 december 2024