Quality Control Circle Practices to Improve Mask-Wearing Compliance by Patients Diagnosed with Tuberculosis During External Examinations.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of quality control circle (QCC) activities on increasing the mask-wearing compliance of hospitalized patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) during external examinations.

Methods: To assess the mask-wearing compliance of patients diagnosed with TB admitted to a ward in our hospital in 2019, who visited other departments, we conducted activities in accordance with the ten steps of the QCC. We outlined the causes of non-compliance and developed and implemented improvement plans. We compared the results obtained before and after the implementation of the QCC to assess the enhancement in patient compliance concerning wearing masks during external examinations, particularly among individuals diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Results: The compliance rate for mask-wearing during external examinations rose from an initial 32.61% (45/138) prior to the intervention to 83.71% (149/178) following the intervention. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ = 85.635, P < 0.001). The following countermeasures and implementation measures were formulated: (1) Increasing public health education and awareness; (2) Strengthening the training of nursing staff to enhance their knowledge; (3) Providing free surgical masks; (4) Establishing an effective monitoring system with the department of auxiliary examinations.

Conclusion: QCC interventions were significantly effective in enhancing adherence to mask-wearing protocols during external examinations of hospitalized patients with tuberculosis. Such improvements contribute substantially to the mitigation of tuberculosis transmission within clinical and healthcare environments.