Avedis Donabedian

Avedis Donabedian
Avedis Donabedian, pioneer in quality of healthcare
Born	January 7, 1919 Beirut, Lebanon
Died	November 9, 2000 Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation(s)	Physician, Professor
Known for	Quality of healthcare

Avedis Donabedian (January 7, 1919 – November 9, 2000) was a physician and a prominent figure in the field of healthcare quality. He is best known for his work in developing the Donabedian model, a framework for evaluating the quality of healthcare services.

Early Life and Education

Avedis Donabedian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to Armenian parents. He completed his medical education at the American University of Beirut and later pursued a Master of Public Health at Harvard University.

Career

Donabedian's career was primarily focused on the study and improvement of healthcare quality. He joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in 1961, where he conducted much of his seminal work.

Contributions to Healthcare Quality

Donabedian is best known for the Donabedian model, which he introduced in 1966. This model provides a framework for assessing healthcare quality through three components:

• Structure: The physical and organizational infrastructure in which care is delivered.
• Process: The methods and procedures used in delivering care.
• Outcome: The effects of healthcare on the health status of patients and populations.

This model has become a foundational concept in the field of healthcare quality and is widely used in both research and practice.

Legacy

Avedis Donabedian's work has had a profound impact on the field of healthcare quality. His model continues to be a cornerstone in the evaluation and improvement of healthcare services worldwide. Donabedian's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and his work remains influential in the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare systems.

Also see

• Healthcare quality
• Donabedian model
• Quality improvement
• Patient safety