How Senior Leaders Build and Sustain Excellence in Healthcare
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Quality in healthcare is no longer optional; it is imperative. In emerging markets, where health systems face fragmented infrastructure, workforce shortages, and variable regulatory oversight, senior leaders play a uniquely decisive role in shaping and sustaining quality. Unlike in more developed systems, where quality functions are often embedded within mature governance structures, leaders in emerging markets must frequently champion quality personally, mobilize scarce resources, and build systems from the ground up. Their direct engagement is critical not only for strategic alignment but also for cultivating a culture of continuous improvement in environments where such norms may not yet be firmly established.
The analysis presented complements normative guidance from global technical agencies by focusing on how boards, CEOs, and investors in private hospitals translate quality ambitions into operational and investment decisions, and how these choices affect growth, and sustainability.
This paper draws on in-depth engagements with 21 senior leaders — CEOs, C-suite executives, and board members — across 13 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America who have built and sustained robust quality programs as well as IFC’s broader portfolio experience. It synthesizes their insights into three interconnected and ongoing themes: Defining Purpose, Laying Foundations, and Driving Excellence for Lasting Change.
Related Resources
- Quality & Safety Agenda Guidance
- Organizing a Quality and Patient Safety Department in a Hospital: A Guide for Hospital Leaders
- Quality Champion Role Description Template
- Sample Agenda for Quality and Safety Executive Committee Meeting
- Sample Quality Management Organograms
- Examples of Quality and Patient-Safety Goals for Hospital Strategies
- Total Quality Management: Policy on Policies
- Total Quality Management: Education Framework
- Total Quality Management: Scope of Services
Surgical safety protocol
Quality Council / Morbidity and Mortality Committee TORs
- AHA: Sample Committee Charter: Quality Committee/Quality and Professional Affairs Committee
- Canberra Health Services Guideline, Morbidity and Mortality Committees
Leadership Walkarounds Guides
- CEC: Leadership Walk Arounds Executives Guide
- CEC: Leadership Walk Arounds Conversation Guide
- CEC: Leadership WalkArounds Closing the Loop
- IHI: Patient Safety Leadership WalkRounds
Quality Report to CEO / Board
Quality established as a standard topic on Board Meeting Agenda / Minutes
Good Governance Institute Report
