Assessing the evidence on CQI: is the glass half empty or half full?

Article Abstract:

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) and total quality management (TQM) are rapidly increasing in importance to US businesses. In the healthcare industry, the two are seen as a means to improve the quality of delivered care while restraining and containing costs. However, there have been few in-depth research studies undertaken to document the effects of implementing CQI/TQM programs, and some industry experts point to indicators that CQI may be fading in management acceptance. Obstacles to CQI implementation are outlined, along with potential areas for further research.

Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, Health care industry, Medical care, Medical care quality, Quality control, Customer service

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Keys for successful implementation of total quality management in hospitals

Article Abstract:

A two-year study of ten hospitals analyzes the feasibility of implementing total quality management (TQM/CQI) continuous quality improvement programs. The study reveals, among others, that an empowered work force as opposed to team process improvement alone create greater outcome gains; culture influences patient satisfaction but not economic efficiency; hospitals using an analyzer or prospector implementation approach are more successful; and, "depth of involvement" of participants positively contribute to quality improvement (QI) output.

Analysis, Organizational effectiveness, Hospital administration

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Implementation of total quality management: conventional wisdom versus reality

Article Abstract:

Researchers visited ten hospitals which were working on continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs and found that several steps to CQI regarded as essential in conventional literature were not proved crucial in program implementation. Many of the programs studied were begun by clinical staff, not hospital administration, and these programs seemed to show results faster than the literature projected, especially intradepartmental projects. Several specific practices which were successful are recommended and described.

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