Identifying Improvement Aims Quiz

What do balancing measures reflect in the context of quality improvement projects?

The knock-on effect elsewhere in the system as a result of the change

Which tool is useful for mapping out and understanding a problem in a quality improvement project?

Process maps (aka flow charts)

What type of variation in a healthcare system is important to minimize?

Both common cause and special cause variation

What is a vital element of an improvement project?

Measurement Signup and view all the answers

In the Model for Improvement, what are the 2 elements mentioned?

Asking 3 key questions and Applying the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of measure reflects what may be happening elsewhere in the system as a result of the change?

Balancing measures Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cause and effect analysis in quality improvement projects?

To identify the root cause of a problem Signup and view all the answers

Which tool can be used to plan improvement project activities?

Driver diagram Signup and view all the answers

What does measurement help identify in an improvement project?

What is going well and where adjustments need to be made for the change to be successful. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of measures commonly used in quality improvement?

Process measures, outcome measures, and balancing measures. Signup and view all the answers

In which phase does the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle apply?

Iterative phase Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the purposes of using a driver diagram?

To plan improvement project activities. Signup and view all the answers

What should the aim of a quality improvement project be?

Time bound and measurable, defining the target population and impact on other parts of the system Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions does the identification of the root cause of a problem prompt?

Questions about how the problem impacts other parts of the system, the quality issue to be improved, and why improvement is necessary Signup and view all the answers

What are measures used for in a quality improvement project?

To measure the impact of the quality improvement on the target population, the performance of the improvement intervention, and any new problems caused by changes in the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a driver diagram in a quality improvement project?

To visually represent change ideas for improvement Signup and view all the answers

What should a defined project aim be in relation to time and measurability?

Time bound and measurable Signup and view all the answers

How can you identify and develop change ideas for improvement in a quality improvement project?

By developing a driver diagram and borrowing from successful experiences of others Signup and view all the answers

What should measures in a quality improvement project focus on?

Measuring the impact on the target population, performance of the intervention, and new problems caused by changes in the system Signup and view all the answers

'What is the quality issue we are trying to improve?' is an example of a question that prompts which stage of a quality improvement project?

'Defining what to improve and setting the aim' Signup and view all the answers

'How will we know that change is an improvement?' is an example of a question that addresses which aspect of a quality improvement project?

'Establishing measures for improvement' Signup and view all the answers

'What change can we make that will result in improvement?' is an example of a question that prompts which stage of a quality improvement project?

'Selecting and testing change ideas' Signup and view all the answers

'Why do we want to improve this?' is an example of a question that prompts which stage of a quality improvement project?

'Defining what to improve and setting the aim' Signup and view all the answers

What are measures used to do in a quality improvement project?

Measure impact on target population, performance of intervention, and new problems caused by changes in the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measurement in quality improvement projects?

To demonstrate how well the current process or system is performing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of measures reflects the impact on the patient and shows the end result of improvement work?

Outcome measures Signup and view all the answers

What should measures be specific and linked to in quality improvement projects?

Defined objectives Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variation is the natural or expected variation in a process that demonstrates stability and predictability?

Common cause variation Signup and view all the answers

What type of chart is used to distinguish common cause variation from special cause variation?

Run chart Signup and view all the answers

What does reducing and managing variation enable systems to become?

More predictable and easier to manage Signup and view all the answers

What type of measures reflect what may be happening elsewhere in the system as a result of the change, i.e., the knock-on effect?