INVESTIGATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT METHODS IN HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS IN CAMEROON ( A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED HOSPITALS IN MOKOLO, CAMEROON)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The goal of the healthcare institution is to provide the highest quality care by a skilled healthcare practitioner in a suitable environment for a particular patient. In essence, the patient should be provided with the utmost level of care, which is established by evidence-based medicine, from a clinician who possesses the requisite knowledge. This care should be offered in a setting that is effective and reduces the possibility of misusing resources. Furthermore, according to Seelbach & Branna (2023), it is imperative to treat the patient with utmost respect and afford them the chance to actively participate in their care plan based on their personal preferences. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has identified six essential dimensions for attaining a superior level of quality in healthcare: safety, efficacy, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity (Betlloch-Mas et al., 2019). To evaluate the efficacy of healthcare in achieving these quality elements, one can gather information and assess the "five D's": death, disability, disease (whether it is resolved or persists after treatment), discomfort, and dissatisfaction (Maritz, Scheel-Sailer, A., Schmitt & Prodinger,2019). Additionally, the success of healthcare institutions is generally assessed by external observers based on their quality measurement. Quality management (QM) is an essential component of hospitals' efforts to attain effectiveness and maintain a continuous improvement process. For patients in hospitals, obtaining certifications and implementing quality management (QM) practices is a strategic approach for the organization to enhance the perceived value of the care process. Implementing QM can communicate to others external to the organization the specific methods and protocols employed to guarantee the quality of patient care. Similarly,  according to Xiong et al. (2017) implementing quality management (QM) practices in hospitals can yield advantages for all sectors of the organization. Medical devices have a crucial role in the modern healthcare system, being utilised in various domains including treatment, diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, and rehabilitation (Banck, 2021). Nevertheless, hospitals are continuously striving to improve healthcare quality, which encompasses medical technology. However, numerous significant milestones have been seen in healthcare institution worldwide. It is against this drop, a survey will be conducted in order to investigate the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Recently, healthcare institutions have faced considerable pressure to improve the efficiency and competitive advantage of their establishments in terms of cost-effectiveness and quality of care. The movement is propelled by multiple factors, such as the increasing complexity of health care institutions and the methods, intensified competition in the health care market, the ongoing trend of subspecialization among health care providers, the empowerment of clients, and the growing focus on patient safety (Bailie et al., 2017). The implementation of quality management (QM) in hospitals, originally developed for industry, has resulted directly from these methods (Alharouny et al., 2021). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018, the current healthcare delivery models, which are often fragmented and lack coherence, are a major factor hindering the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and the quality of health outcomes. However, the US National Quality Strategy defines better care as an effort to enhance the overall quality of healthcare by prioritizing patient-contentedness, reliability, accessibility, and safety. It also aims to improve the health of the population by addressing behavioural, social, and environmental factors that influence health, in addition to providing high-quality care. Furthermore, the strategy emphasizes the importance of making healthcare more affordable for individuals, families, employers, and the government. These components are considered fundamental to the healthcare institution. Candas et al. (2016) assert that there are six factors that experts have recognized as either driving implementation of quality management or hindering it. These factors include the individuals involved, the availability of funds, government policies, technological advancements, the preferences and needs of consumers or patients, and the level of accountability. In the same view, Asadullah, M., & Kundi, G.M. (2023) assert that introducing and implementing quality management to the internal environment of health care organizations is a highly intricate and challenging task. This task involves not only materials but also the human element, and requires understanding, predicting, and controlling the behavioural aspects of the individuals involved, which is a formidable undertaking. Thus, it is in the light of this, the study seeks to investigate the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Cameroon.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Investigate the perceptions of healthcare professionals towards the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Mokolo, Cameroon

Assess the challenges encountered in implementing quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Mokolo, Cameroon.

Assess the strategies for enhancing the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in healthcare institutions in Mokolo, Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions 

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the perceptions of healthcare professionals towards the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Mokolo, Cameroon?

What challenges were encountered in implementing quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Mokolo, Cameroon?

What are strategies used in enhancing the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Mokolo, Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant difference in the implementation of quality management methods among healthcare institutions in Cameroon.

Ha: There is no significant difference in the implementation of quality management methods among healthcare institutions in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will offer significant insights into the existing quality management techniques in the healthcare sector of Cameroon. Also, the  research will provide concrete recommendations for enhancing quality management by analysing the methods, strategies, and obstacles encountered throughout implementation.In addition, the study's will contribute to the current knowledge on quality management in healthcare, specifically in low- and middle-income countries such as Cameroon. However, it will analyse the obstacles and barriers faced in implementing quality management systems in healthcare facilities in Cameroon to provide customised solutions and best practices that may be applied in similar resource-limited environments.  Furthermore, it will serve as a valuable resource for scholars conducting literature reviews in this area, contributing to the academic discourse and serving as a foundational text for future research endeavors. Ultimately, the study's results make a substantial contribution to the body of academic knowledge concerning the phenomenon of the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in Cameroon. Empirically, this study will investigate the perceptions of healthcare professionals towards the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions, assess the challenges encountered in implementing quality management methods in healthcare institutions and assess the strategies for enhancing the implementation of quality management methods in healthcare institutions in healthcare institutions.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to employees in some selected hospitals in Mokolo, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Quality management practices: is defined as systematic approaches, strategies, procedures, and techniques implemented within an organization to ensure that products, services, and processes consistently meet or exceed customer expectations and organizational standards.

Healthcare institutions: this include hospitals, clinics, medical centers, and other facilities in Cameroon that provide healthcare services to individuals.

Quality healthcare: refers to the provision of safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable healthcare services in accordance with established standards and best practices. 

Implementation: denotes the process of putting quality management methods into practice within healthcare institutions.