Summary
The aim of this study was to develop and validate an index to assess the implementation of quality management systems (QMSs) in European countries. Questionnaire development was facilitated through expert opinion, literature review and earlier empirical research. A cross-sectional online survey utilizing the questionnaire was undertaken between May 2011 and February 2012. The authors invited a random sample of 188 hospitals in 7 countries. The quality managers of these hospitals were the main respondents.
Factor analysis yielded nine scales, which were combined to build the Quality Management Systems Index. Cronbach's reliability coefficients were satisfactory for eight scales and low for one scale. Corrected item-total correlations provided adequate evidence of factor homogeneity. Inter-scale correlations showed that every factor was related, but also distinct, and added to the index.
Assessing QMSs across Europe has the potential to help policy-makers and other stakeholders to compare hospitals and focus on the most important areas for improvement.Publication Authors:
- Cordula Wagner
- Oliver Groene
- Onyebuchi A. Arah, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
- et al