Implementing patient safety and quality improvement in dermatology. Part 2: Quality improvement science

Abstract

Quality improvement (QI) in medicine is reliant on a team-based approach and an understanding of core QI principles. Part 2 of this continuing medical education series outlines the steps of performing a QI project, from identifying QI opportunities, to carrying out successive Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, to hard-wiring improvements into the system. QI frameworks will be explored and readers will understand how to interpret basic QI data.

Keywords: LEAN; Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle; Six Sigma; clinical competence; health care; model for improvement; outcome and process assessment; program evaluation; quality assurance; quality improvement; quality measures; quality metrics; run charts.