RT Book, Section A1 Garland, Allan A2 Hall, Jesse B. A2 Schmidt, Gregory A. A2 Wood, Lawrence D.H. SR Print(0) ID 2286034 T1 Chapter 3. Improving the Quality of Care in the Intensive Care Unit T2 Principles of Critical Care, 3e YR 2005 FD 2005 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 9780071416405 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=2286034 RD 2022/08/13 AB Improving ICU performance demands a systems-oriented approach embodied in total quality management (TQM).In most ICUs this requires a major paradigm shift away from the discredited notion that most omissions, errors, and other problems are the fault of individuals, and embraces the idea that meaningful and sustained improvement comes from transforming structures and processes into those that make it hard for people to make mistakes.Creating an effective program of TQM is much easier in an ICU having the resources to hire personnel and purchase information systems.The most difficult, labor-intensive, and expensive part of TQM is data collection, but there are ways to make this less burdensome.Every ICU should implement a system of TQM that is multidisciplinary and inclusive, has the vigorous support of hospital and ICU leadership, and has sufficient personnel and economic support to succeed.