Total quality improvement: a study of Veterans Affairs Medical Center directors and QA coordinators.

A national survey of all Veterans Affairs Medical Centers' (N = 167) directors and Quality Assurance (QA) coordinators was conducted. The survey solicited feedback of respondents' attitudes and perceptions toward the implementation of Total Quality Improvement (TQI) in their facilities. A Likert scale type of responses was collected and further analyzed to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement of the respondents to the survey statements. The following sections were proposed: (a) attitudes and perceptions; (b) rankings; and (c) demographics of respondents and their facilities. The results of the survey indicate an overwhelming agreement on the implementation methodologies, impact on other programs, objectives, and philosophies of TQI. Both the directors and QA coordinators responded positively on the future of TQI in health care.