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Total quality management in behavioral health care
1Development and Organizational Consultants, Inc., St Louis, Missouri, USA.
New Directions for Mental Health Services
|October 10, 1998
Summary
Total quality management (TQM) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) show promise in behavioral health care. Evidence suggests TQM and CQI can succeed with strong leadership and long-term commitment.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Health Care
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Literature on total quality management (TQM) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) in behavioral health care is emerging.
- Current evidence for TQM and CQI effectiveness in this field is largely anecdotal.
- TQM and CQI are established quality management strategies in other industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential application and effectiveness of TQM and CQI in behavioral health care settings.
- To identify factors contributing to successful implementation of quality improvement initiatives in behavioral health.
- To synthesize emerging evidence on TQM and CQI in behavioral health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TQM and CQI in behavioral health care.
- Analysis of anecdotal evidence and case studies.
- Synthesis of findings from related quality improvement research.
Main Results:
- The application of TQM and CQI in behavioral health care is a developing area.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests TQM and CQI can be effective.
- Successful implementation appears contingent on strong leadership support.
- A long-term organizational commitment is crucial for sustained improvement.
Conclusions:
- Total quality management and continuous quality improvement show potential for enhancing behavioral health care.
- Strong leadership and sustained commitment are key factors for successful TQM and CQI implementation.
- Further research is needed to provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of TQM and CQI in this domain.