The Use of Quality Circles in a Health Care Environment

Abstract

As part of a research project, funded by the Manpower Services Commission, which examined how quality circles have developed within different types of environments, a study has been carried out in a health authority. The main findings of this study are reported. There is little doubt that circles have proved effective as a means of improving service quality, communication and staff morale. They have also helped to promote a multi‐disciplinary approach to health care. The point is also made that the implementation of circles in two different types of hospital resulted in very different approaches to circles being taken at each location. The health authority in question has also moulded the circle philosophy to suit its own particular organisational culture. The programme has not been without its problems ‐ caused primarily by lack of training, careless implementation and the absence of a circle steering committee. Another problem encountered was nurse management scepticism of the circle concept. However, many of these early teething troubles were a result of the organisation being the first UK health authority to implement a circle programme. Consequently, it had no model from which to learn and compare operating experiences.