Assessing the evidence on CQI: is the glass half empty or half full?
Review of the literature on CQI/TQM in both health care and non-health care settings reveals some evidence of a positive impact for selected dimensions of CQI/TQM. There is little research, however, that examines CQI/TQM as a holistic integrated approach to quality improvement, nor are there many studies that go beyond single or small sample case studies. Using a conceptual framework involving cultural, technical, strategic, and structural dimensions, a number of barriers to CQI implementation are identified along with suggestions for high-priority areas of research.
Shortell
S M
SM
J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Levin
D Z
DZ
O'Brien
J L
JL
Hughes
E F
EF
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006302:Health Services Research; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000592:standards; D007221:Industry / Q000592:standards; D017146:Models, Organizational; D015279:Organizational Culture; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014481:United States