Who founded the IHI in 1988, focusing on quality and safety?

• A. Dr. Lucian Leape
• B. Dr. Pierce
• C. Berwick and Batalden
• D. The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is Berwick and Batalden, who were instrumental in founding the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in 1988. This organization was established with a focus on improving the quality and safety of healthcare, which remains a core mission of the IHI today. Berwick's role, in particular, as a physician and healthcare leader, allowed him to influence national conversations around health care quality, while Batalden contributed significantly to the understanding of quality improvement processes in healthcare.

The importance of this founding is underscored by the timelines of healthcare initiatives and reforms that followed, significantly impacting quality measures and patient safety practices across the healthcare landscape. Their collaborative efforts set the groundwork for multiple quality improvement initiatives and educational programs aimed at both practitioners and organizations striving for excellence in healthcare delivery.