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Overview of the quality improvement process

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A Quality Improvement (QI) project is a structured approach to systematically improve patient care, safety, and efficiency within a healthcare setting. Unlike research, which seeks to generate new generalisable knowledge, QI focuses on enhancing existing processes and outcomes within a specific context.

Why is it important?

QI projects can:

  • Improve patient outcomes, safety, and experience.
  • Increase efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Support evidence-based practice.
  • Improve employee satisfaction and engagement.

How to conduct a QI project

  1. Identify a problem and set the aim
  2. Choose a method
  3. Understand the current process
  4. Develop and test an intervention
  5. Measure and sustain change
  6. Evaluate the project
  7. Disseminate successful changes
Example
A QI project aimed to reduce patient falls (10 per month) by implementing hourly rounding. A team of nurses, physiotherapists, and safety officers assessed the issue, trialled the intervention in one ward, and expanded it if effective. Sustained improvements were ensured through staff training, audits, and hospital-wide sharing of results.

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Monash Health Library supports employees with their research through education and training and personalised research support. Attend training or request support below.

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Education & Training

If you have any questions about the right support for your research project, contact the Library team via our live online chat, phone (03) 9594 2600, or email to library@monashhealth.org.

Quality Improvement (QI) Books

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