INnovation, QUality Improvement, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice (INQUIRE)

Background:Despite scholarly articles and pathway models delineating quality improvement (QI), evidence-based practice (EBP), research, and innovation, guidance is lacking when determining the project method. A practical, step-by-step approach is needed to support project navigation.Purpose:To describe development and evaluation of a decision-making pathway model.Methods:The INQUIRE Model was developed using an iterative approach and was evaluated with 23 national conference attendees. The evaluation included 4 Likert-type items ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).Results:The model guides users through project planning steps based on an identified trigger (eg, problem, opportunity, and challenge) to ultimately select a project method that aligns with the project scope and availability of a solution. Model evaluation found identification of the project method improved by 14%, scanning for a solution by 8%, avoiding missed steps by 36%, and building a team by 10%.Conclusion:Findings suggest INQUIRE can enhance project planning and method (eg, QI, EBP, research, and innovation) selection. Organizations should evaluate project planning current state to identify the potential benefit of model incorporation.