The Venn diagram (Fig. 36.1) demonstrates the close and overlapping relationships between the three domains of this textbook: outcomes analysis, quality improvement, and patient safety.

The editors feel that the ideas in this book could not be timelier, and we therefore appreciate the thoughts and wisdom from the community of experts we have assembled. These ideas present a road map: how to “think different” and how to better engage patients, clinicians, and providers emotionally and intellectually in transforming health care—the core work of this generation of committed professionals. We hope you will find this book helpful and trust you will enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed preparing it.