title: Evaluating quality management systems.
abstract: This study reports how nurse administrators may approach an evaluation of their quality management (QM) initiative. Suggestions are based on the current study of a multiclinic health care system's QM plan. Tips on designing the evaluation and recommendations on how to report results are provided. Collaboration with local university researchers is suggested as a way to strengthen the process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech Communication, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, USA.
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Hetherington
mesh_terms: D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009096:Multi-Institutional Systems / Q000592:standards*; D015401:Nursing Administration Research / Q000379:methods*; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000592:standards*