A descriptive study of care processes using total quality management as a framework in a USAF regional hospital...

The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate access to care processes in a military regional hospital Emergency Service (ES) and related services using a Total Quality Management framework. Tabulations of demographic survey data revealed that the ES is used mainly as a primary care clinic, with a greater proportion of pediatric care provided during peak hours. An analysis of patterns of care processes in the organizational system revealed that there was little in common between Total Quality Management and Continuous Quality Improvement principles and the care processes. The results of the analysis lend support to the proposed USAF decentralized, coordinated health care system with more authority and control given to local commands and emphasis upon increased responsibility and accountability within professional and beneficiary communities.