Quality Improvement

Health Evidence Network, World Health Organization

The term "quality tools" is used in many different ways to refer to a method used by an individual, a team, an organization or a health system. This site provides a good synthesis of the various tools available. http://www.euro.who.int/HEN/Syntheses/QualityTools/20051006_13

Health Quality Council, Saskatchewan

Its mission is to improve the quality of care and the caring experience in Saskatchewan by encouraging use of best practice. The Health Quality Council has tools for quality improvement (QI) work that include:

• Model for Improvement - Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles
• QI Toolbook
• Quality Improvement Guide: Improving Quality of Heart Attack Care in Saskatchewan: Outcomes and Secondary Prevention
• Quality Improvement Guide: Improving Drug Management of Saskatchewan Seniors in Long-Term Care
• Quality Improvement Guide: Improving the Quality of Asthma Care in Saskatchewan
• TLQIT Tips: Find your fairy godmother (or father)

http://www.hqc.sk.ca/portal.jsp?V6ADFDoNmPRD+4vt8vmeKjBIzBf0QfLQkUwK4QBZaJsCvS3LU5X73ozOVcA+lmY4

Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Breakthrough Model

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is a not-for-profit organization driving the improvement of health by advancing the quality and value of health care. It has extensive set of tools for working collaboratively through a quality improvement approach, including a large amount of tools downloadable from tips on emails with patients, telephone consultations, advanced access and scheduling appointments, and more. IHI uses the advanced access model to reduce the waiting times and delays in primary health care. http://www.ihi.org/ihi

National Primary Care Development Team (NPDT)

British Web site that contains practical information and resources to support those people participating in the programs and those who are interested in the application of improvement science. The National Primary Care Collaborative (NPCC), the first of NPDT's programs, has now engaged almost 5000 practices covering more than 32 million patients, and produced dramatic reductions in waiting times and improvements in patient care. This makes it the largest health improvement program worldwide. It Uses IHI's approach. http://www.npdt.org/scripts/default.asp?site_id=1

Nor'West Co-op Community Health Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba (site visit)

It is a non-profit accredited health agency located in north Winnipeg. Nor'West centre was established in 1972 by community members as part of a co-operative community health centre. The following QI tools are highlighted: the terms of reference for the QI Committee and organizational QI plans for two programs.

Terms of reference - Q1 Committee QI Plan 2005-06 PC2 Q1 Plan 2005-06 HP

Oriel (formerly Joiner and Associates)

Oriel is dedicated to helping organizations improve business performance. This is an U.S. consulting firm however, its website has tips for teams, information on quality and the use of Six Sigma. One can also purchase the Memory Jogger (which lists QI tools, teams and how to run effective meetings), the Team Handbook and others publications for teams. http://www.orielinc.com/main.cfm

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. AHRQ's Center for Primary Care Research (CPCR) conducts and supports research on the provision of primary care, including the systems and policies that affect practices. CPCR's primary care research agenda extends beyond traditional health services research to address a broad range of issues such as first contact care, management of common health conditions seen in primary care settings, the organization of primary care practice, the relationship between the clinician and the patient and the continuity and coordination of primary care services, including referrals and the interface of primary and specialty care. http://www.ahrq.gov/

The Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA)

This is an arm's length organization empowered and funded by the Government of Alberta through the Minister of Health & Wellness to report directly to Albertans on the quality, safety and performance of health services. The Council identifies best practices, and reviews and monitors the following dimensions of health care quality: access, acceptability, appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency and patient safety. We are also committed to partnering with stakeholders to achieve excellence in all dimensions of quality and safety across Alberta's health system. Tools include the Alberta patient safety survey, Alberta Quality Matrix and others. http://www.hqca.ca/index.html