Assemble a QI Team
- Details
- Last Updated on Friday, 04 October 2013 18:47
Selecting the right team is important for successful implementation of your QI project. It is much easier to embrace change when you are involved in helping fix the problem rather than being told how to fix it. Choose your team members based on their knowledge of, and involvement in, the processes that will be affected by your selected improvement project. We recommend a core team of 4-8 individuals, though you may need additional "ad-hoc" team members to contribute at times. Team selection should be linked to your QI project. Try to create a diverse and multi-discipline team. As you assemble your team, consider including members who can serve in the following capacities (Note: A team member sometimes may play more than one role):
-
A QI Team Leader is an individual with enough clout to help implement new changes and the authority to allocate the time and resources necessary to achieve the team's aim. It is important that this person have influence over areas that are affected by the change. Examples of a QI Team Leader may include: Director of Nursing, Nursing Manager, Middle Manager, or WIC Director.
-
The QI Expert may have familiarity with QI methods and understands the processes and procedures that are the focus of improvement efforts. This individual has a good working relationship with colleagues, can "get things done," and knows who to consult with when additional support or clinical/technical information is needed to guide the improvement efforts. Examples of QI Experts may include: Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance Coordinator or Nurse Manager for Quality.
-
Local Experts are "front-line" staff whose daily work occurs in the area that is the focus of the improvement. They have a thorough understanding of the processes and procedures and ideas about how to change them. They will benefit directly from changes and are able to understand the effects of proposed changes and have the desire and ability to drive the improvement project on a daily basis. Local Experts can be front-line staff or agency employees who know the process best and can identify solutions to fix the problem. Be sure to include local experts from all disciplines/roles involved in the process (e.g., Local experts for a clinical project may be clinical providers, nurses, technicians, and clerical staff)
-
Outside Perspective is an individual who is not directly involved in the process and can provide a "fresh pair of eyes" to the process. They often ask the "why is it done that way?" questions and often suggest innovative changes to improve the process.
-
QI Project Manager is usually the QI Team Leader or Local Expert who provides organization and management for the project. Specifically they are detail oriented and the driver behind the project. They help the team stay on track by developing timelines and monitoring progress.
| Example QI Projects and Teams | ||
|
Project Example 1: We aim to increase the number of patients scheduled for Primary Care Clinic, in order to increase services to our citizens, and thereby increase revenue for the Primary Care Clinic to assure sustainability by October 1, 2010. We will achieve this by reviewing our current Primary Care Clinic flow. Team Members:
|
Project Example 2: We aim to increase efficiency for accessing septic system permits by 80% in order to increase both internal and external customer satisfaction. Because the current process is time consuming, involves many steps, is occasionally inaccurate, and the filing process is outdated.
Team Members:
|
|
|
