Implement TQM in the hospital

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 24 views

Application of Total Quality Management (TQM) to the Performance of Nurses at Bhayangkara Hospital, TK-II Medan in 2018

Introduction

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach that aims to improve organizational performance by optimizing the use of human resources and available capital. In the context of hospitals, the application of TQM is crucial, especially for nurses who are the front line in providing health services. This research focuses on the effect of the application of TQM on the performance of nurses in Bhayangkara Hospital in Medan, by involving all 90 nurses as research respondents.

Background

The healthcare industry is a complex and dynamic sector that requires a high level of quality and service. Nurses play a vital role in providing health services, and their performance is critical to the overall quality of care. However, the performance of nurses can be affected by various factors, including the hospital's management system, teamwork, and employee involvement. Total Quality Management (TQM) is an approach that can help improve the performance of nurses by optimizing the use of human resources and available capital.

Methodology

This research used a quantitative research methodology, where data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression tests. The main objective of this study was to assess how TQM elements, such as focusing on customers, teamwork, continuous improvement, education and training, and employee involvement and empowerment, can affect the performance of nurses.

Results

The results showed that of 90 respondents, 72 people (80.0%) stated that the performance of nurses was in the good category. Further analysis with multiple linear regression revealed that the focus variable on customers (p = 0.037), team cooperation (p = 0.017), and employee involvement and empowerment (p = 0.042) significantly influenced the performance of nurses in Bhayangkara Hospital TK-II Medan. This indicates that the better the application of these TQM elements, the better the nurse's performance produced.

Discussion

The application of TQM in the hospital environment has a very positive impact. Focus on the customer, in this case the patient, ensures that nurses provide services that are in accordance with the expectations and needs of the patient. Good teamwork between nurses and other medical personnel also improves coordination and service quality, which in turn will affect the patient's overall experience.

Continuous improvement is an important principle in TQM. This teaches nurses to continue to adapt and find new ways in improving services. Meanwhile, education and training play a role in providing the latest knowledge and skills to nurses, which are very important given the dynamics of the development of health that continues to develop.

Finally, employee involvement and empowerment makes nurses feel valued and contribute. By involving them in making decisions and giving them the power to act, organizations can create a more positive work environment, which in turn increases motivation and performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the increase in the application of TQM at Bhayangkara Hospital in Medan TK-II is very necessary to support nurses in improving the quality of health services. This will not only benefit the nurse itself, but also provides great benefits for patients and hospitals as a whole. Better TQM implementation can be the key to creating higher quality and satisfying health services.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Implement TQM in the hospital: The hospital should implement TQM in all aspects of its operations, including patient care, teamwork, and employee involvement.
Provide education and training: The hospital should provide education and training to nurses to improve their knowledge and skills.
Encourage employee involvement and empowerment: The hospital should encourage employee involvement and empowerment by involving nurses in decision-making and giving them the power to act.
Monitor and evaluate performance: The hospital should monitor and evaluate the performance of nurses regularly to ensure that they are meeting the expected standards.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry.
Self-reported data: The data used in this study was self-reported, which may be subject to bias.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Longitudinal design: A longitudinal design should be used to capture the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry.
Large sample size: A larger sample size should be used to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Mixed-methods approach: A mixed-methods approach should be used to combine the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

References

Juran, J. M. (1988). Juran on planning for quality. Free Press.
Deming, W. E. (1986). Out of the crisis. MIT Press.
Crosby, P. B. (1979). Quality is free. McGraw-Hill.
Feigenbaum, A. V. (1991). Total quality control. McGraw-Hill.
Garvin, D. A. (1988). Managing quality: The strategic and competitive edge. Free Press.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Total Quality Management (TQM) and its Application in Healthcare

Q: What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?

A: Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach that aims to improve organizational performance by optimizing the use of human resources and available capital. It is a customer-focused approach that emphasizes continuous improvement and employee involvement.

Q: Why is TQM important in healthcare?

A: TQM is important in healthcare because it helps to improve the quality of patient care, reduce medical errors, and increase patient satisfaction. It also helps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services, which can lead to cost savings and improved outcomes.

Q: What are the key elements of TQM?

A: The key elements of TQM include:

Customer focus: TQM emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of customers.
Teamwork: TQM encourages collaboration and teamwork among employees to achieve common goals.
Continuous improvement: TQM encourages employees to identify and implement improvements to processes and services.
Education and training: TQM emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and training to improve employee skills and knowledge.
Employee involvement and empowerment: TQM encourages employee involvement and empowerment to improve job satisfaction and motivation.

Q: How can TQM be applied in healthcare?

A: TQM can be applied in healthcare by:

Implementing a customer-focused approach: Healthcare organizations can implement a customer-focused approach by understanding and meeting the needs of patients and their families.
Encouraging teamwork: Healthcare organizations can encourage teamwork by promoting collaboration and communication among employees.
Implementing continuous improvement: Healthcare organizations can implement continuous improvement by identifying and implementing improvements to processes and services.
Providing education and training: Healthcare organizations can provide education and training to employees to improve their skills and knowledge.
Encouraging employee involvement and empowerment: Healthcare organizations can encourage employee involvement and empowerment by involving employees in decision-making and giving them the power to act.

Q: What are the benefits of TQM in healthcare?

A: The benefits of TQM in healthcare include:

Improved patient satisfaction: TQM can lead to improved patient satisfaction by meeting the needs of patients and their families.
Reduced medical errors: TQM can lead to reduced medical errors by improving the quality of care and reducing the risk of errors.
Improved efficiency and effectiveness: TQM can lead to improved efficiency and effectiveness by streamlining processes and reducing waste.
Increased employee motivation and job satisfaction: TQM can lead to increased employee motivation and job satisfaction by involving employees in decision-making and giving them the power to act.
Cost savings: TQM can lead to cost savings by reducing waste and improving the efficiency of processes.

Q: What are the challenges of implementing TQM in healthcare?

A: The challenges of implementing TQM in healthcare include:

Resistance to change: Employees may resist changes to processes and services, which can make it difficult to implement TQM.
Lack of resources: Healthcare organizations may lack the resources needed to implement TQM, such as funding and personnel.
Complexity of healthcare services: Healthcare services can be complex and difficult to manage, which can make it challenging to implement TQM.
Regulatory requirements: Healthcare organizations must comply with regulatory requirements, which can make it challenging to implement TQM.
Cultural barriers: Healthcare organizations may have cultural barriers that can make it difficult to implement TQM, such as a lack of trust or communication among employees.

Q: How can healthcare organizations overcome the challenges of implementing TQM?

A: Healthcare organizations can overcome the challenges of implementing TQM by:

Developing a clear vision and strategy: Healthcare organizations should develop a clear vision and strategy for implementing TQM.
Providing education and training: Healthcare organizations should provide education and training to employees to improve their skills and knowledge.
Encouraging employee involvement and empowerment: Healthcare organizations should encourage employee involvement and empowerment to improve job satisfaction and motivation.
Monitoring and evaluating progress: Healthcare organizations should monitor and evaluate progress to ensure that TQM is being implemented effectively.
Addressing cultural barriers: Healthcare organizations should address cultural barriers by promoting communication and trust among employees.