IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM IN SAUDI-ARABIAN HOSPITALS

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the major attributes of effective implementation of quality assurance (QA). Research methods: Data were collected from 202 physicians from three different hospitals. Twenty-six statements which focused on information which were thought to influence OA implementation were included in the study. Factor analysis with orthogonal varimax rotation was performed to determine the major dimensions of quality assurance implementation. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of these major dimensions on QA implementation. This was done by regressing the factor scores of the four dimensions on QA implementation. Results: Results of factor analysis showed four factors that represented the major dimensions of quality assurance implementation. Factor 1 was termed 'leadership commitment', Factor 2 was termed 'QA components' Factor 3 was termed 'resistance', and Factor 4 was termed 'information'. The regression analysis revealed that leadership commitment and QA components were statistically significant, while resistance and information were not statistically significant in the implementation process. Conclusion: This research suggests the conduct of further studies on other health settings. It is also suggested that other perspectives, such as those of nurses and administrators, should be taken into consideration. Continuous short-term training sessions are recommended for top level managers to expand their knowledge and skills with regard to quality assurance concept and its implementation.