System of indicators to evaluate the quality of general services of Cira García Central Clinic

Abstract

Introduction: In Cuba, the national health system with universal access and care for individuals, the family and the community is an internationally recognized strength. Cira García Central Clinic is a specialized medical care center of international reference in the care of foreign patients. Its quality has been certified by different organizations, however, it intentionally works to raise the standards achieved.

Objective: Propose a system of indicators to evaluate the quality of the sub-process called general services in Cira García Central Clinic.

Methods: Theoretical and empirical methods were applied, through analysis and synthesis, the systemic-structural-functional method and content analysis, the existing documentation related to the quality management of the institution and in particular of general services was analyzed, the results were systematized and the system of quality indicators to be evaluated was proposed. Observation and interview were used in the characterization of the functioning of the different areas of work comprising sub-process called General Services, thus obtaining criteria from the internal public. A satisfaction survey was applied to non-Spanish-speaking patients from developed countries. Information was triangulated and improvement gaps were detected.

Results: A system of four dimensions, 14 variables and 54 criteria was proposed to evaluate the quality management of the sub-process general services which was practically not taken into account in the quality indicators used so far. In the satisfaction surveys, most of the established criteria received satisfactory levels by at least 90% of the respondents. The waiting time to receive the room and the mastery of languages were the criteria that showed the biggest dissatisfaction.

Conclusions: To guarantee a competitive health tourism that meets the expectations of patients who select Cuba destination for this purpose, it is necessary to have a system of indicators to evaluate the quality of non-clinical processes that support the development of key processes that can be generalized to the institutions that develop health tourism.