Abstract

Introduction: Total Quality Management in medical training is a multi-step management method which recognizes the teaching-learning processes. Preparation of faculty managers, who are responsible for planning and taking the corrective actions, is the most fundamental step in the process of its implementation. The aim of this study was to determine preparation of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences for implementation of Total Quality Management.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, sample size was selected among all the managers or faculty members at the university’s medical science school (300). 221 samples were selected by using Morgan’s table and convenience method.  Data was collected by “Preparation for Implementation of TQM Questionnaire” with 21 items which was developed by review of literature. Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by 10 experts and researchers in TQM. Reliability was measured by using Cronbach alpha (α=0.86). The data was analyzed using the SPSS/17, statistical method of independent T-test, Friedman and chi square methods.

Findings: The results showed that ability to implement TQM in both the overall and also in each of eight symptoms were above the average and relatively high at the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The TQM-factor use-measure of managers’ moralities and material/resource assignments were the highest and lowest respectively. The results also showed that TQM, managers’ speech, employees’ recognition awards, organized management’ team endeavors and efforts, specific allotted time to TQM fact/fundamentals issuance, distinct program development and employee involvement ranked from  the second to seventh.

Conclusion: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences seems to have well established basis for the implementation of TQM in medical education. As a result, this university has the potentials to enter the higher levels of TQM implementation.