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Developing a measurement method in a Quality Improvement (QI) project involves selecting and designing the right data collection and analysis approach to track progress, evaluate success, and guide decision-making. Effective measurement ensures that changes lead to real improvements rather than unintended consequences.

Why is it important?

Measuring the success of a QI intervention:

  • Confirms if interventions are working.
  • Helps refine and improve interventions.
  • Supports decision-making and sustainability.
  • Demonstrates impact to stakeholders.

How to develop a measurement method

  1. Define what to measure
    1. Align measurements with the QI project aim
  2. Choose data collection methods
  3. Establish a baseline
  4. Determine measurement frequency
  5. Analyse results
  6. Adjust if needed
Example
To measure medication errors, data can be collected from incident reports and verified through manual chart reviews. This can be done weekly for 6 weeks following the intervention. If medication errors remain high, the intervention may need adjustment. 

Recommended resources:

Data Collection & Storage Guide

IHI Open School. (2015). Family of measures.

Sustainability in QI projects refers to the ability to maintain, embed, and continue the improvements over time, even after the initial project phase ends. A sustainable QI intervention becomes a standard part of routine practice, rather than a temporary fix.

Why is it important?

Sustainability:

  • Ensures improvements are not lost over time.
  • Avoids wasted effort from repeating failed changes.
  • Enhances patient outcomes as long-term improvements lead to lasting benefits.
  • Build a culture of improvement and encourages ongoing QI work within teams.

How to develop sustainability

  • Embed the change within routine practice
  • Train and engage staff continuously
  • Monitor and seek feedback
  • Secure leadership and organisational buy-in
  • Plan for long term adaption
    • Anticipate future challenges, such as staffing and technology
    • Design the intervention to be flexible and scalable
Example
A handover checklist to reduce medication errors is added as a mandatory step in patient transfers. New nurses receive the checklist as part of their onboarding. Leadership allocates staffing to monitor. The checklist is reviewed annually.

Recommended resources:


Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust. (2023). Quality Improvement Spreading and Sustaining. 

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