Continuous quality improvement in nursing service.

The 1991 Joint Commission standards specify continuous quality improvement in nursing services as a required characteristic. Chief nursing executives are in key positions to spearhead the quality movement in health care services. The 14 points of Deming's philosophy are highly relevant to health care organizations, specifically to nursing services. Each concept within the philosophy has broad applicability, and an organization with a firm commitment to neverending improvement will find it useful. Of primary importance is the recognition that short-run profits that sacrifice quality in patient care do not last. If a health care organization is to survive in a competitive environment, it is essential that a quality philosophy not just be espoused but practiced as well.