Utilization of the Tracer Methodology to Assess the Care Provided by an Outpatient Clinic at Walson Army Community Hospital, Fort Dix, New Jersey

This study was conducted to assess the care provided by an outpatient clinic of Walson Army Community Hospital using the Tracer Methodology. Tracers were selected from common ailments treated by the outpatient clinic. Minimum care criteria were established for those ailments selected as tracers. A sample of medical records with the identified ailments were evaluated against the minimal care criteria. Specific problems in treatment were identified. The author concluded that the tracer methodology was a viable system of assessing quality of care. Health care, Outpatient care quality.