Healthcare quality maturity assessment model based on quality drivers

Healthcare providers differ in their readiness and maturity levels regarding quality and quality management systems applications. The proposed model serves as a useful quantitative quality maturity level assessment tool for healthcare organizations.

The model proposes five quality maturity levels (chaotic, primitive, structured, mature and proficient) based on six quality drivers: top management, people, operations, culture, quality focus and accreditation.

Healthcare managers can apply the model to identify the status quo, quality shortcomings and evaluating ongoing progress.

The model has been incorporated in an interactive Excel worksheet that visually displays the quality maturity level risk meter. The tool has been applied successfully to local hospitals.

The proposed six quality driver scales appear to measure healthcare provider maturity levels on a single quality meter.