Overview of quality management models for inpatient healthcare settings. A scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to generate an overview of existing quality management (QM) models for inpatient healthcare published in peer-reviewed literature.

Data sources: Peer-reviewed publications published until June 2016 were retrieved from the databases Medline, PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane Library using search terms related to QM and models.

Study selection: Publications mentioning a QM model for general application in healthcare or inpatient care in their title or abstract were included. Languages considered were: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Data extraction: Data extraction was 3-fold. First, publication characteristics were summarized. Second, the frequency of each identified model was documented and the publications were divided into conceptual and implementation publications. Third, relevant QM models were identified and information regarding the model, including content and relationship with other models, was extracted.

Results of data synthesis: Of 925 retrieved publications, 213 were included. The included publications reported on 64 different QM models that were suitable for or used in inpatient care. Seventeen models were identified as being relevant. The 17 models were then categorized into three different levels: conceptual quality improvement models, concrete application models and country specific adaptations.

Conclusion: This scoping review provides an overview of 17 existing QM models for inpatient care and their relationships with each other. Various types of models with differing aspects and components exist. In searching for QM models, many different concepts like QM system, accreditation or methodologies appeared. For future investigation, concepts of interest should be clarified.

Keywords: inpatient care; models, theoretical; quality improvement; review; total quality management.