Strategy to Improve Quality Management of the Teaching and Care Process in the Internal Medicine Department

Abstract

Introduction: the quality of healthcare and the training of human resources constitute a strategic pillar for contemporary health systems. In Cuba, there are limitations in the integrated management of quality within the teaching-care process in hospital services, characterized by deficiencies in quality culture and fragmented evaluation mechanisms.

Objective: to design a strategy to enhance the quality management of the teaching-care process in the Internal Medicine Service.

Methods: a sequential, multi-stage developmental and innovation study with a mixed qualitative–quantitative approach was conducted at the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, from April 2023 to March 2025. The population comprised 78 health professionals (26 nurses, 30 specialist physicians, and 22 residents). The study consisted of two phases: (1) strategy design based on theoretical foundations and baseline assessment through surveys and interviews; and (2) expert evaluation by 15 specialists using the Delphi method to assess relevance, scientific rigor, and social impact. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Results: the resulting strategy adopted a systemic, participatory, and flexible approach, structured into diagnostic, design, and evaluation stages. Expert assessment yielded highly positive results: 93.30% rated the strategy as “highly relevant,” and 100 % deemed it “highly scientific” and of “high social impact.”

Conclusion: a contextualized and validated strategy was developed to improve the quality management of the teaching-care process, effectively integrating teaching and clinical care, strengthening quality culture, and promoting continuous improvement in the studied service.