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Why is Quality Improvement so Challenging? A Viable Systems Model Perspective to Understand the Frustrations of Healthcare Quality Improvement Managers

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  • Akmal, Adeel
  • Podgorodnichenko, Nataliya
  • Foote, Jeff
  • Greatbanks, Richard
  • Stokes, Tim
  • Gauld, Robin

Abstract

The challenges facing Quality Improvement Managers (QIMs) are often understood and addressed in isolation from wider healthcare organisation within which quality improvement initiatives are embedded. We draw on Stafford Beer's Viable System Model (VSM) to shed light on how the viability of quality improvement depends on the effective functioning of five critical quality improvement systems and the extent to which these systems are integrated within the healthcare organisation. These systems are System 1 (Operations), System 2 (Coordination), System 3 (Operational Control), System 4 (Development) and System 5 (Policy).

Suggested Citation

  • Akmal, Adeel & Podgorodnichenko, Nataliya & Foote, Jeff & Greatbanks, Richard & Stokes, Tim & Gauld, Robin, 2021. "Why is Quality Improvement so Challenging? A Viable Systems Model Perspective to Understand the Frustrations of Healthcare Quality Improvement Managers," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(5), pages 658-664.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:125:y:2021:i:5:p:658-664
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.03.015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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