Quality improvement methods – Part II

To solve complex problems in healthcare, providers need the will to make change, well thought-out or evidence-based ideas, and a quality improvement methodology for executing those ideas. This review will focus on specific elements of execution. A previous review by Picarillo (1) discussed the Model for Improvement, process maps, Pareto charts, Ishikawa diagrams, and driver diagrams. Here, Lean/Six Sigma (LSS) is introduced as an additional methodology for quality improvement (QI), including a selected discussion of some associated LSS tools. Specifically, the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) will be reviewed in more detail. This is a tool to proactively identify possible errors in processes of care, prioritize those which may have the biggest impact if they reached the patient, and develop action plans to address them. Finally, Planned Experimentation is presented as a mechanism to organize your testing strategy for ideas for change. Having an understanding of the concepts in this review and that by Picarillo (1) will provide a sound foundation in the methodology and tools needed to address quality problems in healthcare.