1. What is the primary goal of Total Quality Management (TQM) in healthcare? - A) Reducing healthcare costs - B) Improving patient satisfaction - C) Enhancing staff morale - D) Increasing the efficiency of care delivery Answer: B) Improving patient satisfaction Rationale: TQM focuses on meeting the needs and expectations of patients, which is central to enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services. 2. Which of the following is a key component of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle? - A) Risk assessment - B) Outcome evaluation - C) Implementation - D) Documentation Answer: C) Implementation Rationale: The PDSA cycle is a four-step model for carrying out change. Implementation is the 'Do' phase where the plan is executed. 3. In the context of healthcare, what does the term 'benchmarking' refer to? - A) Setting performance standards based on regulatory requirements - B) Comparing an organization's practices with those of the industry leaders - C) Assessing patient outcomes after a medical intervention - D) Evaluating the financial performance of a healthcare facility Answer: B) Comparing an organization's practices with those of the industry leaders Rationale: Benchmarking in healthcare involves comparing processes, performance metrics, and more with best practices from other organizations to improve quality. 4. What is the role of clinical pathways in quality improvement in healthcare? - A) They provide a framework for standardizing treatment protocols.