[Methods of process analysis, instruments of quality management. Successful implementation of quality projects]

Meaningful experience and knowledge--the prerequisite for the successful implementation of quality projects--are described in terms of their practical importance on the basis of the experience gained with quality management in the municipal hospital at München-Schwabing (HMS). Against the background of the process of quality assurance or PDCA (Plan Do Check Act), the approach to the selection of suitable themes (problem selection), the prioritization of projects, the appropriate composition of the project group, the description of the problem, and the organization of the project, are discussed. The authors describe the implementation of methods of process analysis such as flow diagrams and cause-and-effect diagrams. The importance of evaluation is justified, and pragmatic approaches are presented. The importance of project documentation and essential contents are discussed.