ABSTRACT
High-quality health systems consistently deliver care that is evidence-based and clinically indicated for individual patients at appropriate time points in their care episodes (collectively representing the concepts of effectiveness and time liness). Timeliness refers to the provision of health care services with continually reduced waiting times and without delays-for both the patient and the provider.1 Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to physical and emotional harm; therefore, prompt service is essential in improving the health care experience. Effectiveness within the context of the clinical setting refers to using evidence-based interventions demonstrated to have better outcomes than alternative approaches,1 particularly those shown to be beneficial in real-world health care delivery environments. Interventions may include therapy, diagnostic tests, and preventive care. Effective evidence-based care must not be underused or overused, and ineffective potentially harmful care must be avoided altogether.
