Question

There are a number of key figures, both historically and in today’s health care field, who have influenced the growth and change of Continuous Quality Improvement. In some cases, they have created the models that we are using currently. In other cases, they have impacted our approach to health care quality greatly and continue to motivate and inspire us to do better.

These include (but are not limited to):                                      More recently:

• Edward Deming
• Joseph Juran
• Lucian Leape
• Dr. Avedis Donabedian
• Kaoru Ishikawa
• Brian Joiner

• Dr. Donald Berwich
• Dr. Peter Pronovost
• Dr. Atul Qawande
• Dr.Robert Wachter
• Dr. Paul Batalden
• Dr. Brent James

1. Identify a key leader from this list (or another, not listed here, you wish to research).

2. Present a profile of this individual and how they have impacted continuous improvement in health care.

3. Identify what you believe are the three most important concepts that they have they have presented as a part of their work.

4. Explain why you think these are important and how you might include them in your role today or in your future health care career.

Answer 1

Dr. W. Edward Deming has a significant influence over the practical application of the management. He has an imminent role in the development and flourishing of the automobile industry, health care industry etc. His contributions to the continuous improvement of the quality have become the guideline for the organizations to achieve the quality targets and to improve quality continuously.

In the early 1940s Deming involved in the development of the principles and guidelines which enabled the organization to tackle the complex challenges and sustain in the health care industry as well as in the other industries. Gradually his quality improvement standards and techniques have transformed almost all industries in the business environment including the healthcare sector.

Some of the important concepts which Deming has put forward are mentioned below

• In quality control the measurement of quality is important in order to improve it.
• Managed care which highlights the management of the processes of the health care service provision.
• Management of right data, in the right format and its utilization in the right place.

These principles of Deming are very important for the present and the future of the health care industry. According to his principle in the quality control if the management couldn’t find the quality levels they provide how could they improve the quality service provision?. The introduction of the managed care changes the phase of the health care service provision. This contribution of Deming made the management to think and make changes in the process of health care. The Deming’s principle about the data management enables the health care organization to provide quality health care .