Using Quality Circles in the Health Service

Intrigued by brief references to Quality Circles in various articles in Personnel and Training publications, we began a search for more definitive information on the structure, use and value of Quality Circles in the US. We found numerous articles in journals and periodicals describing implementation in the US of this Japanese concept. The articles described successes and often referred to consulting firms as further resources. Literature was obtained from consulting firms specializing in the implementation of Quality Circles plus data and impressions from companies that have instituted Quality Circles. One consulting firm mentioned application to health care facilities, but we were unable to locate a hospital which has implemented the process.