Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Blog 1: What quality means to me


Quality is something that is not measurable and is perceptual. It varies from person to person due to their own preference. Everyone wants to receive good quality whether it is in a service, product or even an individual’s personality.
What I would define as good quality would be beneficial to myself and gets the job done. If I have to put out I must say in the long run it was worth it. For example, with clothing, I would say good quality clothing would be one I can wash and dry more than three times and the color does not fade or become dingy and so I got my money worth.
Quality is valuable, effective, durability and gives me assurance to be worth giving up something, therefore I am pleased with the outcome I am seeking.
In the health care aspect, quality is judged from the patients based off of their experience from the moment they step foot within a facility. For many people, we have all visited a doctor’s office at least once in our lifetime. Everything counts and depending on the severity and importance there are some things I would chose over quality. When it is pertaining to my health, I would go to a physician’s office where I would wait in the waiting room for a long period of time. In the end, I would wait “x” amount of time because I know the physician will give me the best quality of care. However, when it comes to clothing, if the line to checkout is over 20 minutes I would rather put the clothes back no matter how good the quality is and come back another time because it is not worth the wait.
I have been going to a specialist for about two years and this particular physician tends to come in late because of rounds at the hospitals. On top of coming in late, he is usually double booked on majority of the visits I have been to. He tries to see as much patients as he can. Even though he is pressed on time, during my appointment time, that is my appointment time and takes the time to go over every question thoroughly and clarifies anything I need.  I have spent up to two hours waiting to be seen but I would not give him up for anything. When I schedule his appointment I know to expect a wait time so I try my best to clear my day just to see him because he is just that good and gives me the quality I need. The same does not go for his staff but nurturing my issues and concerns with him serves more importance.
Overall, quality to me depends on the importance and worth what I am giving up. Finding value and trust is essential when turning to quality. In healthcare, I think that is why many practices strive to give good quality and serves as a competition in the market field.