Managing Quality Improvement in Healthcare Healthcare providers strive to improve service quality by implementing various quality management programs. Customers tend to seek higher quality of care when choosing treatments, providers and health plans. For healthcare organizations looking to provide high-quality care and compete in the global marketplace, choosing a quality management program to implement is critical to ensuring performance and efficiency. Many studies have been conducted to analyze the effectiveness of such programs. Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM) are three programs that will be examined by three different case studies in an attempt to understand them and compare and contrast their capabilities. LeanIn a qualitative study, Sobek (2011) identifies and articulates the critical success factors and strongest inhibitors to the implementation and sustainability of lean quality management practices within healthcare organizations. The study methodology consisted of a thematic analysis of the literature, a cross-sectional analysis of medical centers that have attempted lean implementation, and a Delphi study conducted by a panel of experts in the application of lean healthcare. The results showed that lean has been successful in the healthcare industry and shows a lot of potential. The two main success factors were widespread involvement of all key stakeholders and strong leadership support. Emphasis was placed on communication, training, problem solving and standardization for greater success with streamlined procedures. Despite the improvements shown with lean standards in manufacturing, lean healthcare still faces many obstacles. Many healthcare facilities struggle with lean implementation and sustainability because...... middle of paper......, Chakhunashvili, A., & Bergman, B. (2010). Lessons from Sweden's first large-scale implementation of Six Sigma in the healthcare sector. Operations Management Research, 3(3-4), 117-128. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12063-010-0038-ySobek,Durward K.,,II. (2011). Implementing Lean Healthcare: Critical Success Factors. IIE Annual Conference. Acts, , 1-8. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1190332495?accountid=38569Sunder, M. V. (2013). Synergies of Lean Six Sigma. IUP Journal of Operations Management, 12(1), 21-31. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1321940772?accountid=38569Yasin, M.M., & Alavi, J. (1999). An analytical approach to determining the competitive advantage of TQM in healthcare. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 12(1), 18-24. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/229692589?accountid=38569