IHI.org - A resource from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement
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Improvement Methods

Getting Started
 

We have collected all of the best content we know of — including change concepts, measures, resources, improvement stories, and downloadable tools — to help you make improvement successful in your organization. But, you may ask, “Where should I begin?”

Try starting here:

  • Learn about the Model for Improvement and how to use it to select and test changes for improvement. No matter what clinical area you are working in to make improvements, the Model for Improvement will guide you.

  • Measurement for improvement is essential. Learn about the three types of fundamental measures for all improvement efforts, and tips for creating effective measures.

  • We have assembled a collection of downloadable tools so you can use them immediately in your improvement work. They include tools for analyzing processes, gathering data, working effectively in groups, and documenting your improvement work.

  • All improvement requires change. Learn about some fundamental, general ideas or change concepts that can be adapted to make specific changes that lead to improvement in many processes and clinical areas. Examples include Eliminate Waste, Improve Work Flow, Focus on Variation, and many more.

  • Creating change is great, and spreading it is greater. Has your organization created pockets of excellence? Are you ready to spread the good ideas hiding in those pockets — along with the renewed energy and satisfaction they generate — to the rest of the organization? See the Spreading Changes section.

  • The Leading System Improvement section is designed to help leaders of improvement at every level, from improvement project manager to CEO and Chairman of the Board. The content focuses on the specific leadership tasks to drive system improvement, as well as related tools, literature, and other resources.

 




 
Measuring Rare Events and Time-Between Measures
 

This presentation and related articles discuss how measuring the time or number of cases between adverse events, such as the number of surgeries between surgical site infections, is more effective for detecting changes and verifying improvements.



 
Improvement Methods Content
 
Channel LogoHow to Improve
Channel LogoTools
Channel LogoMeasures
Channel LogoResources
Channel LogoChanges
Channel LogoLiterature
Channel LogoImprovement Stories
Channel LogoFAQs
 

Profiles in Improvement

 

Who's improving health care? People are — at hospitals and in office practices all across the US and internationally.

 

In this ongoing series of audio profiles, front-line improvers share their stories.