Quality Improvement in the Healthcare of Malaysia: A Situational Analysis

Introduction Improving quality of healthcare has been a priority in Malaysia. With various quality improvement initiatives being implemented, there is need for clear direction and integration of these efforts through the development of a national policy.

Objective To describe the methods used in an ongoing situational analysis of quality improvement in both the public and private healthcare sectors in Malaysia.

Methodology This situational analysis adapted its method and framework from the World Health Organization handbook for National Quality Policy and Strategy1 . It involves a review of historical and current information, as well as the collation of new data to answer the 8 elements in the framework (Figure 1).

Conclusion A comprehensive situational analysis serves as a guide in providing relevant and recent evidence, which will benefit both stakeholders and programme planners in formulating an effective plan of action to implement and monitor Quality Improvement Initiatives as well as in the development of the new National Policy for Quality in Healthcare for Malaysia.