Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Total Quality Management

Total Quality Management (TQM) in healthcare is a framework for continuously improving the quality of healthcare services and patient outcomes through the use of data, process improvement methods, and employee engagement. TQM is based on the principles of continuous improvement, customer focus, and employee involvement.

Examples of TQM in healthcare include:

Establishing a system for collecting and analyzing data to monitor and measure the performance of healthcare organizations and providers, and to identify areas for improvement.

Using process improvement methods, such as Lean and Six Sigma, to identify and eliminate waste and inefficiencies in healthcare processes.

Involving employees and patients in the quality improvement process to help identify areas for improvement and to develop solutions that meet the needs of patients.

Establishing a culture of quality, where quality is emphasized in all aspects of the healthcare organization, and where everyone is responsible for improving quality.

TQM in healthcare can improve the quality of care, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. It is a comprehensive approach that involves the participation of all members of the healthcare organization. It helps to identify areas for improvement, establish goals and targets, and implement the changes to achieve these goals. TQM can be used to improve the entire healthcare system, including processes, services, and outcomes. It can also be used to improve the performance of specific departments and services. TQM is an ongoing process that requires ongoing monitoring, measurement, and evaluation to ensure that improvements are sustained over time.