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Knowledge
Base

Quality Improvement and How It Relates to Knowledge Translation

What is Quality Improvement (QI)?

Quality Improvement is a method of evaluating and improving processes of patient care that focuses not on individuals, but on systems of patient care. The aim is to develop a health care system that is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable. Quality improvement efforts should aim to improve the structure and processes involved in health care and then monitor related outcomes. The structure is the way the health care system is designed and the conditions under which care is provided. The processes are all the activities that constitute health care, such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment and education. It is important to monitor the outcomes associated with any quality improvement endeavour to ensure that the implemented change actually results in improvement in clinical, functional, cost and/or satisfaction related outcomes.

How does QI Relate to Knowledge Translation (KT)?

QI and KT efforts share many of the same goals and approaches. Both aim to improve the health care system using a systematic approach that is based on the best available evidence. Major focuses of both QI and KT projects are on dissemination and implementation of effective change strategies.

Relevant References

  1. Nelson EC, et al. Clinical Improvement Action Guide. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. 1998. (http://store.trihost.com/jcaho/product.asp?dept%5Fid=12&catalog%5Fitem=417)
  2. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the Quality Chasm. National Academy Press. Washington 2001.
  3. Institute of Medicine. To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health Care System. National Academy Press. Washington 2000.
  4. Mohr JJ and Batalden PB. Improving safety on the front lines: the role of clinical microsystems. Quality in Health Care. 2002;11:45-50.
  5. McGlynn EA, et al. The quality of health care delivered to adults in the United States. NEJM 2003;348:2635-45.

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