Posts

QI Tools & Resources

Looking for more information about QI? Need tools and resources to support your work?

 

Explore the links below for an overview of QI, including tools and resources for each step in your QI journey.

  • 0
  • 6875

Understand the problem

The QI process begins with identifying and understanding the problem you are trying to solve. Your QI team will partner with patients and providers to identify a problem, understand the current state of the process, and identify the root causes of the problem.

Key activities include:

  • Writing a problem statement summarizing the problem you are trying to solve
  • Mapping the current state of relevant processes and patient journeys with staff and patients
  • Identifying the root causes of the problem with input from staff and patients and by observing processes in real time
  • Generating a measurement plan to determine what data you will collect to further understand root causes and track improvement
  • Collecting data and displaying it visually using run charts and control charts to understand variations in performance

Tools and resources

Explore the problem
  • Voice of the customer guide
    Learn how to capture perspectives from patients, providers, caregivers, and others to understand the problem and co-create solutions.
Map the current state
  • Waste walk tool
    Observe existing processes in real-time and identify occurrences of different types of waste.
  • Kaizen event guide
    Map existing processes, identify areas of waste and steps that add little value, and map a new, value-add processes.
  • Patient experience mapping guide
    Map existing processes and emotions that patients feel as they move through each step of the current process, and identify areas for improvement.
Identify and understand root causes
  • Fishbone tool
    Reflect on the different components of a system and brainstorm how they may contribute to a problem.
  • 5 Whys tool
    Continuously ask "Why is this happening?" to identify how components of a system may contribute to a problem.
  • Measurement guide
    Learn about the importance of collecting data for QI, how to select indicators, collect data, and analyze results.
  • Measurement plan tool
    Plan the measurement of the performance of processes surrounding the problem to identify and understand contributing factors.
  • Pareto chart tool
    Determine which causes have the most impact on your problem to help you decide which to address first.

Understand the problem

The QI process begins with identifying and understanding the problem you are trying to solve. Your QI team will partner with patients and providers to identify a problem, understand the current state of the process, and identify the root causes of the problem.

Key activities include:

  • Writing a problem statement summarizing the problem you are trying to solve
  • Mapping the current state of relevant processes and patient journeys with staff and patients
  • Identifying the root causes of the problem with input from staff and patients and by observing processes in real time
  • Generating a measurement plan to determine what data you will collect to further understand root causes and track improvement
  • Collecting data and displaying it visually using run charts and control charts to understand variations in performance

Tools and resources

Explore the problem
  • Voice of the customer guide
    Learn how to capture perspectives from patients, providers, caregivers, and others to understand the problem and co-create solutions.
Map the current state
  • Waste walk tool
    Observe existing processes in real-time and identify occurrences of different types of waste.
  • Kaizen event guide
    Map existing processes, identify areas of waste and steps that add little value, and map a new, value-add processes.
  • Patient experience mapping guide
    Map existing processes and emotions that patients feel as they move through each step of the current process, and identify areas for improvement.
Identify and understand root causes
  • Fishbone tool
    Reflect on the different components of a system and brainstorm how they may contribute to a problem.
  • 5 Whys tool
    Continuously ask "Why is this happening?" to identify how components of a system may contribute to a problem.
  • Measurement guide
    Learn about the importance of collecting data for QI, how to select indicators, collect data, and analyze results.
  • Measurement plan tool
    Plan the measurement of the performance of processes surrounding the problem to identify and understand contributing factors.
  • Pareto chart tool
    Determine which causes have the most impact on your problem to help you decide which to address first.