INTERDISCIPLINARY QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN THE PERIOPERATIVE PROGRAM - A COLLABORATIVE MODEL

A collaborative method of total quality management (TQM) results in ma ny benefits. Members of the various disciplines are able to share thei r perspectives on patient care with others on the healthcare team, whi ch broadens each person's perspectives and generates respect for the w ork of others in achieving high levels of patient care. An effective c ommittee empowers by providing a way for every employee to feel that h is or her voice can be heard and that legitimate issues of quality of care, cost reduction, and system efficiency will be explored when iden tified.