Theory and Principles

Simply stated, QI examines processes in order to improve them. Like the other components of QA, QI relies on the guiding principles of teamwork, systems and processes, client focus, and measurement. The focus on teamwork recognizes that team members bring valuable insights regarding the process to be improved because of their knowledge of and experience in it, and are more likely to implement improvements they helped to develop. The focus on systems and processes recognizes that providers must understand the service system and its key service processes in order to improve them; resolving the problem of unclear, redundant, or incomplete processes or systems yields better results than placing blame on individuals. Focus on the client emphasizes that services should be designed so as to meet the needs and expectations of clients and community. Focus on measurement means that data are needed to analyze processes, identify problems, and measure performance. This focus promotes taking action based on facts rather than on assumptions.

A more complete examination of the fundamental principles of QI are presented in "Advances in Quality Improvement: Principles and Framework"*. However, it is good to remember that the one of the simplest definitions of quality, "Doing the right thing, right," illustrates that author's two major components of care: content (doing the right thing) and process (doing it right).