The differences in perceived acceptance of a modified Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) model for health care

The health care industry has been slow to embrace traditional systems engineering tools, which have proven effective in manufacturing and other industries in developing services and delivery systems. There is a perception that these traditional engineering tools, methods, and processes are not applicable to health care.;A Delphi panel of 14 experts gathered to identify which Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) tools are applicable in health care. Secondly, this study aimed to reach consensus on additional tools that if added, would make the APQP model more likely to meet the needs of the health care industry. The resultant of the Delphi exercise is the Advanced Quality Planning for Health Care (AQPH) model.;The Delphi panel of experts consented on 48 tools. An Internet survey sent to the American Society for Quality Health Care Division (ASQ-HCD) collected data on the differences in perceived acceptance of the AQPH model. One hundred and thirty-eight ASQ-HCD members completed the Internet survey. A T-Test measured differences in perceived acceptance amongst the groups. There was no statistically significant difference (p=.530, infinity=.05) in perception of the AQPH model between ASQ-HCD certified members and non-certified members. There also was no statistically significant difference (p=.758, infinity=.05) in perception of the AQPH model between ASQ-HCD members holding clinical and non-clinical positions. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference ( p=.416, infinity=.05) in perception of the AQPH model between ASQ-HCD members with less than 20 years of experience and members with 20 years or more experience.