Kvalitetsmålen

Kvalitetsmålen is a Swedish term meaning "the quality goals" or "quality objectives." In public administration and organizational planning, kvalitetsmålen refer to a set of aims established by a body to define and measure the expected level of quality in its services or products. The concept is commonly used by municipalities, county councils, and national agencies in Sweden to guide work processes, allocate resources, and provide a basis for evaluation and accountability.

Typically, kvalitetsmålen consist of a limited number of measurable indicators or targets related to service quality, safety, accessibility, user satisfaction, and efficiency. They are framed as SMART targets and are reviewed regularly, often in annual planning cycles. Information about performance against kvalitetsmålen is usually published in annual or quality reports.

Because there is no single universal list, the exact content of kvalitetsmålen varies by sector and organization. In education, they might cover student outcomes and learning environment; in health care, patient safety, care continuity, and wait times; in social services, client outcomes and satisfaction.

Public bodies use the results to drive improvement work and to communicate accountability to residents. The concept is part of broader quality management practices in the public sector, aligning with national guidelines for quality assurance, while the specific indicators are determined locally.

See also: quality indicators, performance measurement, quality assurance.