DECONSTRUCTING CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: IDENTIFYING KEY DRIVERS OF PATIENT SAFETY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the core constructs of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and patient safety outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 100 healthcare professionals across 20 clinical departments, alongside objective safety indicators including CLABSI, CAUTI, patient falls, and medication error rates. These measures were combined into a Composite Patient Safety Index to provide a holistic assessment. Regression analysis revealed that Data-Driven Practice was the strongest predictor of patient safety, followed by Employee Empowerment and Leadership Commitment. Conversely, Systematic Process Improvement did not independently predict outcomes, suggesting that cultural factors and evidence-based practices are more critical than technical tools alone. ANOVA confirmed significant variation in safety performance across departments, with cardiology achieving superior results and ICU facing higher risks due to patient acuity. The findings emphasize that CQI is not a monolithic intervention but a synergistic framework where leadership, staff engagement, and data use collectively drive safer outcomes. Hospitals should therefore prioritize building robust data systems and empowering staff, supported by visible leadership commitment, rather than overemphasizing isolated process improvement toolkits. These insights provide a roadmap for tailoring CQI strategies to context-specific needs in resource-limited healthcare systems.