Assessment of Continuous Quality Improvement in Healthcare Organizations: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

<jats:p>Background and Aims: Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) fosters a culture of ongoing improvement, which helps or¬ganizations determine their impact, optimize resource allocation, and sustain improvements over time. This study aimed to assess the continuous quality improvement at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire sent elec¬tronically to King Fahad Medical City healthcare providers. The questionnaire includes three sections: (1) Demographic characteristics, (2) Assessment of the organization as a whole, such as character, managers, cohesion, emphases, and rewards, and (3) Assessment of quality improvement in the orga¬nization.

Results: Among the 364 participants included in this study, 66.5 % were female, and the mean age of the participants was 34.81 ±8.3 years. The organization character domain took the first rank with a weighted mean of 3.64±0.95, followed by organization cohesion with a weighted mean of 3.62±0.94, while the organization rewards domain took the last rank with a weighted mean of 3.24±0.99. For the quality improvement criteria, the information and analysis about the quality of care took the first rank with a weighted mean of 3.61±1.12, followed by quality management with a weighted mean of 3.60±1.03, while human resource utilization took the last rank with a weighted mean of 3.28±1.01.

Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the organization concerning quality improvement. By prioritizing the enhancement of reward systems and focusing on organiza¬tional character and cohesion, the organization can create a more supportive environment for quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, addressing the challenges related to human resource utilization will be essential for maximizing the potential of the workforce in achieving the organization’s quality goals.</jats:p>