The effect of the application of total quality management in improving the efficiency of managing private hospitals in Baghdad (An exploratory study of the opinions of a sample of administrative leaders in a sample of Iraqi private hospitals in Baghdad)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of applying Total Quality Management principles on enhancing the efficiency of private hospital management in Iraq. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 157 individuals, including employees, department heads, and managers, from four private hospitals in Iraq (Royal Hospital, Al-Karkh Private Hospital, Al-Salama Hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital). A total of 151 valid responses were used for analysis.

The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between the implementation of Total Quality Management principles and the improvement of hospital management efficiency. Accordingly, it is recommended to incorporate management's vision and strategies into hospital administration, develop strategies to address future risks, enhance communication between senior management and employees, collect accurate information, and utilize technology for informed decision-making that enhances work quality. A set of independent variables were used to measure Total Quality Management principles, while a single dependent variable, hospital management efficiency, was employed. The dimensions of Total Quality Management encompassed continuous improvement, upper management support, organizational culture, and strategic quality planning.