The relationship between the factors hindering quality improvement and the implementation of quality improvement at the Palestinian ministry of health- Gaza

Abstract EN

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the factors hindering quality improvement and the implementation of quality improvement at the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) facilities.

The study employed a descriptive, analytical cross sectional design with a triangulated approach (quantitative and qualitative).

Self-administered questionnaires and key informant interviews were used for data collection.

A randomized multi stage stratified sampling was used to select the eligible healthcare providers working at the MoH in two medical complexes (Shifa in Gaza and Nasser in Khanyounis) and five Primary Health care (PHC) centers (level 4).

The calculated sample size was 418, out of them, 397 responded and completed the questionnaires, with a response rate of 95 %.

In-depth interviews were conducted with eight key informants as a second data collection instrument.

Findings revealed that the most perceived factors hindering the implementation of QI were top management commitment followed by organizational culture, leadership, health information system, human resources management, staff training, and staff engagement.

It was also found out that there is a limited implementation of QI with percentage of (25.1 %).

Pearson test showed statistically significant correlation between the implementation of QI and top management commitment, structure, leadership, human resource management, monitoring & supervision, staff engagement and training, health information system, financial support, and material resources.

The researchers recommend prioritizing the QI in the strategic plan as an approach to improve the performance and the provided healthcare services at the MoH facilities ; in addition, strengthening the role of management and leadership through dissemination of quality culture, ensuring the resources, and investment in the training.