Quality Improvement Resources

LHDs Using QI | QI Culture | Resources | Storyboards | Training Materials

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Quality improvement (QI) continues to gain momentum as health departments work to meet performance standards and prepare to participate in accreditation efforts.

Many organizations work in the area of public health QI and their tools and resources are valuable for LHDs interested in beginning or continuing their journeys with quality improvement. Below are some resources to support LHD quality and performance improvement efforts. This list is a good place to begin exploring the QI concepts and processes. Additional information can be found by visiting the websites of the organizations referenced below.

»	Stories of Measurable Improvement in Public Health
	NACCHO has developed a Stories of Measurable Improvement in Public Health database which comprises examples of measurable improvements resulting from implementation of QI processes and is searchable by topic area or QI tools and techniques. Visit the database to browse stories or submit your agency's story.

»	Prioritization Techniques for Selecting QI Efforts
	Once an LHD has completed the PHAB documentation collection process, the possible areas for improvement may seem overwhelming. Where do you start QI? How do you choose QI efforts? This document outlines five prioritization methods LHDs can use to choose among the many and narrow them down to select the few best to start. It includes descriptions of each method as well as examples of how LHDs have used the methods. More »

»	QI Toolkit
	The QI Toolkit is an online repository of quality and performance improvement resources for LHDs. It promotes information exchange and identifies valuable materials that can be adapted as LHDs learn about and apply QI processes to their work. Search by keyword, state, or tool.

»	QI Plans
	Local health departments dedicated to quality improvement can choose to develop a QI plan for their agency. A Quality Improvement Plan is a basic guidance document about how an LHD will manage, deploy, and review quality throughout the organization. NACCHO's QI plan page contains a template, example QI plans, and other valuable resources.

»	The ABCs of PDCA
	The ABCs of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) guide provides a step-by-step description of how to move through a PDCA cycle. It draws on resources that are readily available to LHDs and is designed for the beginner who has been trained in QI methods and techniques and is preparing to apply those within the LHD.

QI Resources from Other Organizations

Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has developed a guide for process improvement, including a description of the PDCA cycle. Visitors can download tools to use when conducting the cycles.

Memory Jogger II - Continuous Quality Improvement Tool
The Public Health Foundation in co-operation with GOAL/QPC has developed a pocket-guide to QI made specifically for public health agencies. The Public Health Memory Jogger II contains many quality control and management & planning tools along with real-life examples that relate specifically to public health.

Public Health Certificate in Performance Improvement
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health offers an online certificate program in public health QI designed for working professionals. It is intended specifically for health departments working to meet and exceed the requirements for Domain 9 in the PHAB version 1.0 standards and measures.

Online Resource Center for the NPHPS Program
The Public Health Foundation has built a resource center for public health agencies interested in improving performance related to the 10 essential public health services.

Quality Tools
The American Society for Quality website contains a comprehensive list of useful quality tools. Each tool has a description and materials so visitors can learn about the tool.

Embracing Quality in Local Public Health: Michigan''s Quality Improvement Guidebook
The Michigan Multi-State Learning Collaborative developed a manual for public health practitioners interested in quality improvement.

Continuous Quality Improvement in Social Service and Public Health Settings (Presentation)
Continuous Quality Improvement Worksheet for Social Service and Public Health Managers
Michael Brand of the Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness developed materials relating to QI in public health.

Performance Management Collaborative Products
The Turning Point Initiative developed many materials and reports focusing on performance and quality improvement in public health. The initiative no longer receives funding, but the documents are available for download.