Exploratory study of the influence of the adoption of total quality management on the level of neonatal mortality in Moroccan hospitals

ABSTRACT

The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of the adoption of total quality management (TQM) practices on neonatal mortality rates within Moroccan hospitals. An exploratory qualitative methodology was adopted. The dataset comprised qualitative inputs from 12 face to face interviews with hospital management staff and associated stakeholders. The study revealed several factors affecting the adoption of TQM practices in Moroccan hospitals, including human resource constraints, financial and material resource deficiencies, lack of leadership, and gaps in the quality of services provided. Moreover, while TQM practices significantly influence neonatal mortality rates, other external factors, such as accessibility to hospitals, infrastructure, and patient care quality, also play crucial roles. There’s a clear intertwining of neonatal mortality rates with the broader healthcare management dynamics. The findings underscore the need for Moroccan hospitals to adopt a comprehensive approach to TQM. This not only involves addressing internal managerial and operational challenges but also considering broader systemic issues within the healthcare ecosystem. Embracing TQM holistically could pave the way for improved neonatal care outcomes and reduced mortality rates. Additionally, understanding patient perspectives, especially those of pregnant women and recent mothers, can further enhance the quality of healthcare delivery in the region.

KEYWORDS:

• Total quality management (TQM)
• neonatal mortality
• Moroccan hospitals
• healthcare management
• service quality in healthcare

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nabila Msatfa

Nabila Msatfa is a teacher at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Settat Morocco. Her specialty is on health science. She is pursing PhD at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Settat Morocco.

Aziz Baidani

Aziz Baidani a professor of higher education at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Settat Morocco, Aziz's specialty lies in molecular biology and genetics. He is the Secretary General of the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Settat Morocco.

Yassmine Mourajid

Yassmine Mourajid is a teacher at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Settat Morocco. Her specialty lies in management Science. Yassmine is pursuing her PhD at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Settat Morocco.

Milouda Chebabe

Milouda Chebbabe is a professor of higher education at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Settat Morocco. Her specialty lies in midwife. She is the vice president of the Moroccan Association of Midwives and the educational coordinator of the sector of midwives at the higher institute of health sciences in Settat.

Zouheir Msatfa

Zouheir Msatfa is on analytical framework, and a doctor in management science from the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the Hassan 1st University Settat Morocco.

Abderraouf Hilali

Abderraouf Hilali is a professor of higher education He is a geneticist of hereditary diseases and an ex-director of the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Settat, and a vice president of the Hassan 1^st University of Settat.