How to run a successful QI project

Selecting the right quality improvement project idea


In this article we look at how exactly you go about choosing a Quality Improvement project idea to kick-start your programme. We guide you through strategies from working with your team to identify the problem you want to solve, through teamwork, brainstorming and identifying criteria for your project. Although selecting your initial quality improvement project idea can seem like a daunting prospect, we give examples of how you can achieve this with minimum stress!

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How to define the aim statement for your quality improvement project



Your aim statement is an excellent way to help you to identify and share your Quality Improvement goals with clinical and leadership teams. In this article we look at how to create and structure your QI project aim statement, which is defined by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as ‘the answer to the first question in the Model for Improvement, ‘What are we trying to accomplish?’ Read on to see our hints and tips.

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How to assemble your team for a successful improvement project



Improvement work is usually coordinated via a Quality Improvement team, so choosing the right improvement team is crucial. In this piece we look at how you go about forming your QI team and focus in on the type of experts you will need for a successful project. We also look at some examples of effective teams across the QI space and we’ve got some hints and tips to help guide you through the process and foster teamwork.

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How to write a great measurement plan



Measurement is a critical part of testing and implementing changes; measures tell you whether the changes you are making are actually leading to improvement. With the right set of balanced measures and good data collection, there will be no guesswork in your improvement work. In this article we’ll look at how to write an effective measurement plan from defining your measures to identifying the type of data to collect and the right charts to use.

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How to collect data to improve quality



In this article we look at the importance of data collection in your Quality Improvement journey. We examine the type of data you need to understand and monitor your QI projects and recommend ways to help you get round any data access challenges. We talk you through methods for data collection and look at the ways data can help support so many aspects of your QI projects.

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Designing and testing changes using the PDSA cycle



In this piece we look at the Plan-Do-Study-Act or PDSA cycle, which is an integral part of your Quality Improvement projects. We talk you through the basics and look at why you should use the method, as well as some hints and tips on how to write and design your first PDSA.

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How to maintain project momentum



In this article we are focussing on how to maintain momentum in your Quality Improvement project to fully deliver on the project vision and maximise the impact it delivers. As improvement wins can take time to bed in, you will need to keep encouraging your team. We’ll look at the methods you can use to maintain momentum, including getting buy-in to your vision at an early stage of the project, communicating well and also celebrating and recognising your teams successes.

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How to implement the results of a QI project



Once you’ve carried out testing and Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycles, it’s time to sustain the gains and implement your Quality Improvement (QI) project results. In this piece we look at how to deploy your QI changes more widely where others might benefit from this good practice.

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How to close out a quality improvement project



Sometimes despite all your hard work and Quality Improvement planning, your QI project just does not work out. In this article we look at how to keep a positive spin on the lessons you have learned while we look at some of the activities you will need to carry out in order to close out your QI project.

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