The EFQM Model as a Tool for Excellence in Healthcare Services: Assessing Its Applicability and Benefits
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Ensuring high-quality, efficient, and sustainable healthcare services is a global challenge. The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model has emerged as a structured approach to fostering continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence. This study evaluates the applicability and benefits of EFQM in the healthcare sector, using the Italian healthcare system as a case study. Through a structured analysis of performance indicators, key aspects such as hospital efficiency, quality of care, staff satisfaction, and governance are examined. The results indicate that EFQM-certified hospitals demonstrate better resource utilization, increased patient satisfaction, and a stronger culture of continuous improvement. Although the study is based on the Italian context, the findings are transferable to other healthcare systems. The results contribute to the ongoing discussion on adopting structured quality management approaches in healthcare, providing a framework for organizations seeking to implement EFQM to achieve sustainable excellence.