ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses training issues in relation to quality improvement in the health service, predominantly in the United Kingdom, but also with occasional reference to health services in other parts of the world. Since 1989, many provider healthcare units and some purchasers have been developing organized quality management systems to ensure not only that quality of care and service exist, but that it is continuously improving. The many and varied efforts in this direction are usually given the overall label Total Quality Management'. In large healthcare organizations with clear management structures, most if not all staff work on a day-to-day basis in operational teams, either uni-professional or multi-disciplinary. Developing a quality-conscious culture and commitment needs coordination via a clear organizational structure which illustrates how quality management is coordinated and how it supports the line management structure. External training opportunities are available via the various Health Service Management Centres and other independent consultancy and training companies and publishers.
