A literature review of Best Practices for Implementing Total Quality Management in Health Care Institutions

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a practical and effective strategy for health care institutions to enhance quality, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction. However, successful implementation of TQM requires a systematic approach and adherence to best practices. This study aims to identify a set of best TQM practices applicable to health care settings through a comprehensive literature review. Eight key practices were identified: top-management commitment (leadership), teamwork and participation, process management, customer focus and satisfaction, resource management, organizational behavior and culture, continuous improvement, and training and education. The findings suggest that top-management commitment is the most critical enabler for successful TQM implementation, followed by teamwork and participation, process management, and customer focus and satisfaction. Resource management, organizational behavior and culture, continuous improvement, and training and education were also found to be essential for effective TQM implementation. The study concludes that these eight practices can serve as a framework for quality improvement in health care institutions, leading to enhanced service quality, patient satisfaction, and improved institutional performance. The findings have significant managerial implications, emphasizing the role of top management and employees in initiating and ensuring the success of TQM, fostering a supportive organizational culture, and meeting stakeholder needs. Future research should explore barriers to TQM implementation, conduct comparative studies across countries, examine the detailed impacts of the identified best practices, and evaluate patient perspectives on TQM practices.