Implementation of a quality management system across allied health services

Abstract

Owing to heightened global economic competition, the need for sustainability, and increasing pressures, organisations are compelled to pursue enduring excellence in quality and quality management. The implementation of a Quality Management System is essential to meet the specific needs of the healthcare industry. This dissertation delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding the implementation of quality management systems across Allied Health Services within the Directorate for Allied Health Services in Malta. This study sought to answer the research question: What are the factors affecting the implementation of a Quality Management System across Allied Health Services in the Maltese context? The research applied quantitative research methodology and adopted domains from the DUQuE questionnaires to study perspectives of Allied Health Professionals. Structural Equation Modelling was used to map the relationships of factors affecting implementation. This study provided knowledge to support the ongoing implementation of quality management systems across Allied Health Services, spearheaded by the Allied Health Services Directorate and fits into an action research design. The results of the study can be considered as a pilot towards the applicability of this tool and the methodology should be adopted to monitor the implementation of the QMS. The literature review, the methodology and the results contribute to the understanding of the complexity of the implementation of a Quality Management System in healthcare. The insights gained from this research offer valuable implications for health professionals, administrators, and policymakers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of Quality Management System initiatives in diverse clinical environments.