The Role of Implementing Total Quality Management in Improving the Performance of Public Hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a crucial approach for improving the performance of healthcare organizations, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of implementing TQM in Saudi public hospitals and identify the challenges associated with its successful application. The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia faces numerous challenges, including rising costs, increasing prevalence of patients with multiple health conditions, economic constraints, technological advancements, and heightened patient demand for high-quality services. TQM offers a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges by transforming organizational attitudes, empowering the workforce, and focusing on patient satisfaction while minimizing costs. However, the implementation of TQM in Saudi hospitals is often inadequate, despite growing recognition of its importance. Key barriers include moderate levels of patient satisfaction, low job satisfaction among nurses, and poor work-life balance for healthcare professionals. A case study conducted in 2017 revealed five central themes related to healthcare quality and patient satisfaction: level of understanding, inter-institutional communication strategies, enhanced competency development and training, management and leadership, and barriers to improving quality. Addressing these challenges requires a sustained commitment to policy reform, investment in human resources, and fostering a collaborative organizational culture. By tackling these obstacles and refining the implementation process, Saudi public hospitals can fully realize the potential of TQM to enhance service quality, meet patient expectations, and achieve sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.