Implementing continuous quality improvement in primary care: implications for preventive services

The implementation of CQI must be done in a manner that capitalizes on the challenges of primary care, including the professional autonomy of the physician, the availability of data, issues of cost and efficiency of service, and the expanding role of patient expectations in quality care. Analysis of these factors is based on an ongoing study designed to help community-based primary care practices increase the utilization of prevention and early detection services offered to patients.