The Quadruple Aim of Healthcare: Improving Care Delivery and Work-Life Balance

Recognising the crucial role that healthcare professionals play in the success of healthcare delivery, a fourth aim has been added to the framework to create a more inclusive approach known as the Quadruple Aim. This framework aims to support the redevelopment of healthcare systems to meet population needs better while remaining cost-effective.

The original Triple Aim, developed by Thomas Bodenheimer and Christine Sinsky, focuses on three key elements: improving the individual experience of care, reducing the per capita cost of health, and improving the health of populations. However, it was noted that a critical component was missing – the importance of healthcare workers in delivering and transforming healthcare.

The Quadruple Aim addresses this gap by incorporating the fourth aim, which prioritises improving the work-life balance of healthcare providers, including clinicians and staff. Burnout is a significant issue among healthcare professionals, with decreased patient satisfaction, reduced health outcomes, and increased costs being some of the consequences.

Healthcare workers continue to rank as one of the highest professions suffering from burnout and stress, even before the added pressures of COVID-19. The Quadruple Aim recognises that supporting the wellbeing of healthcare providers is essential for delivering high-quality care.

The Australian Government's Department of Health acknowledges that Australia's health system is one of the best in the world, but there is always room for improvement. To achieve this, it is crucial to assess models of care applied globally and identify the best elements for bettering Australia's healthcare performance.

By adopting the Quadruple Aim framework, healthcare systems can support the delivery of safe and quality-focused healthcare while also prioritising the wellbeing of healthcare providers. This holistic approach will enable Australian consumers to access an adaptive, responsive, robust, and effective healthcare system that meets their needs better.

Quadruple aim of healthcare