National Healthcare Quality Week

National Healthcare Quality Week is observed annually during the third week of October as a time to recognize the critical role of healthcare quality professionals and to promote continuous improvement in patient care.

History of National Healthcare Quality Week

National Healthcare Quality Week (sometimes called Healthcare Quality Week) was established by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) in 1985. NAHQ’s roots go back to 1976, and over the years the organization has grown to lead efforts in certification, education, and advocacy in healthcare quality.

The week was created to provide a formal occasion to highlight the work of quality improvement professionals, raise awareness of quality issues in healthcare, and foster a culture of excellence and safety across all health systems.

Why National Healthcare Quality Week is important

Quality in healthcare is not a luxury—it’s essential to patient outcomes, safety, and trust. National Healthcare Quality Week offers a moment to spotlight how efforts in process improvement, safety protocols, measurement, and system redesign directly impact patients’ lives. It helps remind clinicians, administrators, and policymakers that quality work is ongoing, collaborative, and vital.

Also, this week gives visibility to often behind‑the-scenes professionals—quality managers, data analysts, patient safety officers, compliance specialists—whose work is essential but not always seen. By elevating their contributions, the observance helps build respect, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and support for investment in quality infrastructure.

• It recognizes professionals committed to patient safety and care improvement
• It highlights the continuous, systemic nature of quality work
• It encourages sharing of best practices, innovations, and lessons learned
• It strengthens public understanding and support for quality in healthcare
• It draws attention to gaps and challenges in health systems.

How to Observe National Healthcare Quality Week

Organizations can use this week to host internal events: quality showcases, poster sessions of improvement projects, “lunch & learns,” or data review sessions. Leaders might issue messages of recognition or share milestone successes. Posters or banners highlighting quality metrics, safety commitments, or staff achievements help make quality visible.

Individuals in healthcare or quality fields can use the week to reflect on their own practices, attend webinars or training, mentor others, or propose new quality initiatives. Patients or stakeholders can engage by asking about quality processes in their care, supporting transparency, or participating in patient safety advisory efforts. Sharing stories or visuals on social media with tags like #HealthcareQualityWeek helps broaden awareness.

• Recognize and thank quality improvement teams or staff
• Display or share posters or infographics of quality initiatives
• Host internal presentations or “project spotlights”
• Encourage transparency and patient engagement in quality processes
• Participate in trainings or webinars on quality and safety.