Evaluation of Preparedness Towards Total Quality Management at Tertiary Hospital from Health Workers Perception: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Total quality management (TQM) in any organization is a major determinant of efficient management of resources. In this era where hospitals provide the same type of services, it is only hospitals that have embraced TQM techniques that will survive. The study assessed the management preparedness to the implementation of TQM at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/ Ozalla from the Health workers perceptive. Methods: This study was a cross sectional descriptive study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the demographic characteristics of the randomly selected staff of the UNTH and their assessment of UNTH under five major domains: organizational, interpersonal, facilities, environmental and economic. Focus group discussion was also used conducted among selected staff. Results: On influence of educational factors on level of response, the study showed it has no influence on staff awareness (p= 0.264) but it influenced quality of personnel (0.049), sufficient supervision (p = 0.039), feedback mechanism (p = 0.005) and record department being computerized (p = 0.04). Number of years on the job has influence on the availability of adequate resources (p = 0.027), quality of services (0.040) and record department being computerized (p = 0.041). On the influence of cadre, it showed that level of awareness was affected but quality of personnel (p = 0.014), quality of services (p = 0.019) and availability of functional diagnostic equipment (p = 0.027) was influenced. Conclusions: TQM have been shown to have improved the efficient management of resources with attendant maximization of output. It is important that management demonstrates commitment and provide enabling environment for its sustainability. Specifically, management should institute periodic performance measurement system and strengthen the training program in the hospital. There is a need to raise the awareness on the concept and develop methods and procedures in updating existing TQM guidelines.