Total Quality Management and Its Effect on the Performance of Tertiary Health Institutions in Nigeria: a Study of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

Abstract This study investigates the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices on the performance of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. The research focuses on key TQM elements, including leadership commitment, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care, to understand their contribution to enhancing hospital performance. Grounded in Deming’s Theory of Total Quality Management, A quantitative research approach was employed, using structured questionnaires distributed to 337 clinical and non-clinical staff members at UDUTH. The sample was selected through a proportionate stratified and simple random sampling technique, ensuring a representative distribution across the hospital’s workforce. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire and analyzed using regression analysis, facilitated by SPSS software. The findings reveal that TQM practices have a significant positive impact on hospital performance. Leadership commitment emerged as a critical factor, as it fosters a culture of quality, aligning staff efforts with organizational goals. Continuous improvement was also found to be essential in enabling the hospital to adapt and enhance its services over time. Additionally, patient-centered care was shown to play a crucial role in improving service quality and patient satisfaction. Based on these results, it is recommended that UDUTH strengthens leadership involvement in TQM initiatives, establishes structured continuous improvement programs, prioritizes patient feedback in decision-making, and adopts a data-driven approach to quality evaluation. These recommendations aim to sustain and enhance the hospital’s performance through effective TQM implementation.