Background and Aim: Total quality management (TQM) is defined as a system for the assurance of delivering high-quality and cost-effective services. In this regard, due to their service role, hospitals are important in external economic changes. This study was performed to measure the executive backgrounds of total quality management (TQM) in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) teaching hospitals in 2012.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in TUMS hospitals. The data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire, and were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics.
Results: The findings of this study showed that the dimensions of trustworthiness (3.25±0.88) and the beauty of environment (3.06±0.87) got the highest scores; however, the speed of giving services (2.40±1.04) got the lowest scores. In addition, the executive grounds of TQM implementation were “moderate to low” in the studied hospitals with an average score of 2.88± 0.74.
Conclusion: According to the results, total quality management requirements are in a moderate-to-low condition in the studied hospitals. Although managers’ attitude towards TQM is rather positive, it is necessary to improve the quality of services, performances and processes through culture building, creating positive attitudes in managers and employees, providing trainings related to quality improvement, increasing the commitment of top managers, attracting staff participation, promoting innovation and creativity, and evaluating the quality of services.
