Application of Quality Management System Criteria for Assessing Medical Records Departments in Teaching Hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences; 2008

Quality management is an intelligent, steady and continuous procedure with a synergic effect on organization goals resulting in customer satisfaction, increased efficiency and enhanced ability to compete in the market. The procedure is considered as an improvement in traditional methods of business and an established technique which ensures organization survival in today’s competitive world. The current study aimed at examining medical records departments in Teaching Hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) applying Quality Management System Criteria. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The statistical population included medical records departments of ten IUMS Teaching Hospitals. Data collection was done through interview, observation and five checklists which were in accordance with major criteria of Quality Management System mentioned in ISO 9001- 2000 standard. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The findings showed that resources management with 77% and the measurement of criteria, analysis and process improvement with 47% gained the highest and the lowest scores, respectively. The rates of quality management system, management accountability, and service production were 57%, 56%, and 61%, respectively. The overall average of all criteria applied at Iran University teaching hospitals was 60%. The unacceptable 60% rate of conformity of medical records departments system with the expectations of quality management system can be promoted by adjusting the quality of the functions of these departments with the defined requirements of Quality Management System.