STEEEP: Safe, Timely, Effective, Efficient, Equitable, Patient-Centered

The six dimensions of health care systems from the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) Crossing the Quality Chasm report can be remembered through the mnemonic: STEEEP:

Safe, Timely, Effective, Efficient, Equitable, Patient-Centered

The 3 E's can be a bit confusing to people because we often throw the terms effective and efficient around as similar terms.

Healthcare must be effective: we must be using evidence-based science that is proven to improve patient outcomes.

Care must also be efficient: we must strive to reduce waste and unnecessary utilization of healthcare services.

Finally, care must be equitable: every single person ought to have access to care, regardless of age, gender, race, background, etc.