THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, PATIENT SATISFACTION, SERVICE QUALITY, AND TRUST IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate the direct effects of total quality management (TQM) on perceived service quality (SQ) and patient satisfaction (PSAT), the impact of SQ on PSAT and patient trust (TR), and the influence of PSAT on TR among in-patients in selected Public Hospitals in Northern Ethiopia. Employing a quantitative approach, a questionnaire was administered via convenience sampling. The study included a sample of 293 in-patients receiving treatment in selected public hospitals in Ethiopia, with data analysis conducted using Amoss26 and SPSS26. The findings revealed that total quality management positively influenced patient satisfaction and perceived service quality, while SQ also had a positive effect on PSAT and TR. Moreover, PSAT exhibited a positive impact on TR among in-patients in selected public hospitals in Northern Ethiopia. This research significantly contributes to the existing literature and warrants further investigation, as there is a dearth of studies on total quality management in the healthcare sector compared to manufacturing industries. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights for healthcare sector managers in strategic planning and decision- making processes.