Healthcare quality costs based on an ISO 9000 model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a quality cost management model for healthcare organizations, which is based on the quality management systems proposed in ISO 9000 international standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The model suggested here arose from the individual study of quality in healthcare, quality management systems and quality cost theories; and the analysis of problems emerging when these tools are combined in practice.

Findings

The traditional quality cost model, usually implemented in manufacturing companies, can also be applied to healthcare organizations that manage their processes according to ISO 9000 quality management systems.

Research limitations/implications

This document is a general description of the model proposed and, therefore, just presents overall guidelines to managing quality costs in healthcare organizations.

Originality/value

Since most healthcare organizations are still stuck in the quality assurance stage, there has been little research conducted on quality cost specifically focused on this industry.

Citation

Sedevich‐Fons, L. (2013), "Healthcare quality costs based on an ISO 9000 model", Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 184-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHS-02-2013-0009