Which statement about IOM quality characteristics is true?

• A. They include Safe, Effective, Patient-Centered, Timely, Efficient, and Equitable
• B. They are only guidelines for financial metrics
• C. They apply only to administrative tasks
• D. They exclude patient involvement

Answer: (A)

These six characteristics, defined by the Institute of Medicine, describe what high-quality care should strive for. Safe means care aims to avoid harm; effective means it achieves desired outcomes using evidence; patient-centered means care is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences; timely means care is delivered when needed to reduce delays; efficient means resources are used wisely without waste; equitable means care is provided fairly, without disparities. The statement listing all six is the true one because it captures the full IOM quality framework used to assess and improve care across clinical and administrative areas. They are not just financial guidelines, they apply beyond administration, and patient involvement is central to achieving patient-centered care.