Lessons learned in developing a total quality management process.

While the barriers to TQM implementation are many and the lessons learned can be very painful, we are convinced the results are well worth the effort. TQM implementation is a long term strategic approach and while results can be fairly quick, organizational cultural change and strategic redirection take time. Progress can be very slow. By reducing waste, rework, and variation we can both improve quality and reduce cost. The ultimate goal of TQM is to have organizational members using the quality tools in their daily work life. As an increasing number of health care organizations move through the four phases of implementation, sharing lessons learned can help us understand how to evaluate our quality processes and sustain the improvement process.