Quality management in Irish health care

This paper reports on the findings from a quantitative research study of quality management in the Irish health‐care sector. The study findings suggest that quality management is what hospitals require to become more cost‐effective and efficient. The research also shows that the culture of health‐care institutions must change to one where employees experience pride in their work and where all are involved and committed to continuous quality improvement. It is recommended that a shift is required from the traditional management structures to a more participative approach. Furthermore, all managers whether from a clinical or an administration background must understand one another’s role in the organisation. Finally, for quality to succeed in the health‐care sector, strong committed leadership is required to overcome tensions in quality implementation.