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Total quality management approach improves medication replacement.

L K Anderson
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Abstract

Total quality management (TQM) is based on understanding customer needs, improving key processes that affect customer satisfaction, and creating cross-functional teams to resolve process problems. This article describes application of TQM principles and problem-solving processes to improve one OR's medication exchange system. The problem was excessive monthly pharmacy medication replacement costs. The goal was to reduce the monthly medication replacement costs by 50%. Within four months, monthly medication replacement charges decreased from $656 to $302, and by one year, monthly charges decreased to $160. The new process had fewer steps, fewer staff members involved, and fewer delays in medication replacement.

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Costs and Cost AnalysisData CollectionDocumentationEquipment and Supplies, HospitalMedication Systems, HospitalOperating RoomsPharmacy Service, HospitalPilot ProjectsTotal Quality ManagementWisconsinJournal Article

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BibTeXRIS

L K Anderson. 1994. Total quality management approach improves medication replacement.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0001-2092(07)69665-3

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