Effectiveness of a quality improvement training course: Mayo Clinic Quality Academy

Am J Med Qual. 2012 Mar-Apr;27(2):130-8. doi: 10.1177/1062860611415391. Epub 2011 Oct 21.

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of Quality Academy Teams Training, a team-based process improvement program at Mayo Clinic. The study population consisted of employees who attended the course in 2008 (n = 103). A pretest-posttest design was used to assess learning by participants of the course, and gain score analysis was conducted using paired t test procedures. Electronic surveys were sent to participants 90 days following completion of the course to assess self-reported application of skills and process improvement tools in the work setting. The mean overall score (n = 99) for the posttest was 68%, which was a significant improvement from the pretest mean of 48% (P < .001). Survey results showed that respondents (n = 58) increased their use of 36 specific process improvement tools on the job after attending the training (P < .001). Other health care institutions may benefit from the implementation of quality-related training programs that teach employees to use process improvement tools and methods.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Education, Medical / methods
  • Education, Medical / organization & administration*
  • Education, Medical / standards
  • Educational Measurement
  • Health Personnel / education
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Minnesota
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality Improvement* / organization & administration
  • Quality of Health Care / standards
  • Young Adult