Overview of Issues in Improving Quality of Care for Children

This article provides a framework for a research agenda-setting conference on quality of care for children. Research on quality of care for children has lagged behind its counterpart for adults. Defining key issues and questions in seven topic areas--the health of children; the efficacy and effectiveness of health services for children; assessing quality of care; improving quality of care within health services delivery systems; assessing and improving quality at the community level; getting financial incentives right; and disseminating information about the results of research investigations--will facilitate the development of an effective research strategy. Ultimately, enhanced information in these areas will lead to improvements in the process and outcomes of care for children.