COVID-19 Küresel Salgınında Hastanelerde Kalite Uygulamaları Üzerine Nitel Bir Çalışma

Güdük Ö., Özaydın Ö., Serbest Ş.

TÜRKİYE SAĞLIK ENSTİTÜLERİ BAŞKANLIĞI DERGİSİ, cilt.7, sa.1, ss.20-29, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mandated quality control and voluntary accreditation assessments in hospitals. Additionally, it also examined how the measures taken during the pandemic affected quality-related practices in hospitals. This is a qualitative study in which interviews were conducted with 12 individuals working in the quality control units of different hospitals between April 24th and May 4th, 2021. Interviews were conducted through online applications or by phone. A semi-structured questionnaire comprising six questions, created by the researchers and content analysis was used. Content analysis was used. Self-assessments were generally conducted in the last quarter of 2020, and many hospitals only addressed the sections mandated by the Ministry. The pandemic necessitated additional documents and revisions, leading to the preparation of new approval forms. Some meetings, trainings, and drills were not completed or were moved to online platforms. Increased workload and staff shortages culminated in negative attitudes towards quality processes. In some hospitals, quality unit employees were sometimes reassigned to new departments. The results of the study show that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted hospitals’ quality practices. Changes implemented to adapt to the new situation were not fully adequate. In order to better handle similar crises in the future, hospitals are recommended to implement technology-supported quality studies. This includes strengthening the integration of different hospital systems, as well as incorporating technology applications such as the Internet of Things to monitor patient indicators. Additionally, healthcare professionals, including quality employees, should receive training to increase their knowledge of digitalization in health. Finally, regulations and emergency solutions for possible quality crises should be included in quality practices.