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Total quality management: lessons learned from the medical practice environment.
1School of Management, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA.
The Health Care Supervisor
|May 8, 1995
Summary
Applying total quality management (TQM) in healthcare requires addressing motivation and value. Key lessons involve overcoming cultural and structural barriers, defining principles, using management tools, and fostering user-driven innovation for successful TQM implementation.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement Science
Background:
- Total Quality Management (TQM) principles offer a framework for enhancing healthcare services.
- Previous applications of TQM in medical practices provide valuable insights for broader healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify generic lessons learned from applying TQM in medical practices.
- To guide the effective implementation of TQM in diverse healthcare environments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of experiences applying TQM in medical practice.
- Identification of common challenges and success factors.
Main Results:
- Successful TQM implementation necessitates addressing motivational factors and perceived value.
- Organizational and industry culture present significant barriers to TQM adoption.
- Structural impediments within healthcare organizations must be identified and mitigated.
- Clear articulation of TQM guiding principles is crucial.
- Appropriate management tools are essential for effective TQM implementation.
- Empowering users to innovate TQM applications enhances its utility.
Conclusions:
- Lessons from medical practice TQM can be generalized to other healthcare settings.
- A comprehensive approach addressing cultural, structural, and operational aspects is vital for TQM success in healthcare.