Using a logic model to design and evaluate quality and patient safety improvement programs

Quality improvement programs often pose unique project management challenges, including multi-faceted interventions that evolve over time and teams with few resources for data collection. Thus, it is difficult to report methods and results. We developed a program to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and improve safety culture in intensive care units (ICUs). As previously reported, we worked with 103 Michigan ICUs to implement this program, and they achieved a 66 reduction in the median CLABSI rate and sustained the reduction. This success prompted the spread of this program to Spain, England, Peru and across the USA. We developed a logical framework approach (LFA) to guide project management; to incorporate the cultural, clinical and capacity variations among countries; and to ensure early alignment of the projects design and evaluation. In this paper, we describe the use of the LFA to systematically design, implement and evaluate large-scale, multi-faceted, quality improvement programs.