You are encouraged, and expected to address the issues that I identified in the first three parts of the plan. That is, if I noted the need to directly apply the concepts to your specific, identified QI opportunities, then be sure to do that. For example, if I asked you to identify specific metrics and the source of benchmarking data, then be sure to provide that.
The audience for the plan is the Board of Directors. Thus, you must be careful not to provide “too much” detail yet enough information for the Board to make an informed decision. For example, the Board knows the mission, vision and values – so, there’s no need to reiterate that. Similarly, do not discuss alternative QI methodologies – briefly discuss the only the selected model. Organize the plan as you would submit it to the organization’s board of directors for their review and approval.
Do not simply “copy and paste” sections from previous parts of the plan. Instead, summarize previous assignments, prepared with the intent to present the most important points of your research.
Include a one-page Executive Summary – this brief overview follows the Title page. Note, an Executive Summary does not replace the introduction. A brief introduction is still expected in the body of the main paper. This summary should provide answers to the following questions (do not include these questions in the summary – just the answers, in a standard, narrative style):
– What is the specific quality improvement opportunity?
– How is performance measured?
– What is the current level of performance? What are the goal and benchmarks?
– What are the actions/tactics being proposed to address the opportunity?
– How will outcomes and issues be communicated and to whom?
The required components for the plan are:
Organizational Overview & Goals: First, provide a very brief overview of the organization and its services (no more than one paragraph) (This information was covered in Part IV).
Next, summarize goals the organization has to meet its mission. These are principles that shape how the organization views and achieves quality. Examples may involve the concepts of safety, effectiveness, timeliness, and patient centeredness. This should be no more than two paragraphs. (This information was initially covered in Part I).
Improvement Opportunity: Briefly describe the selected improvement opportunity, the current level of performance (be sure to provide data if available, or at the very least identify the specific metrics), the targeted goal, and its importance to the organization. This section should be one or two paragraphs. (This information was initially covered in Part III).
Authority Structure: Summarize the authority structure of the plan’s implementation (From Part III). Describe who is responsible for implementing the plan. Include a brief description of each role involved in the plan. This section should be approximately one page:
- Board of Directors
- Executive Leadership
- Quality Improvement Committee
- Medical staff
- Middle Management
- Staff
- Role of patients or consumers (from Part IV)
QI Method: Describe the methodology and processes used to implement the plan. This section should range from half a page to a full page. (This information was initially covered in Part II).
QI Activities: Describe what departments, programs, and activities are affected by the plan and why they are involved in its implementation. This section should be approximately one page.
Data Collection and Analysis: Describe the type of performance data to be collected and why that data is focused on. Describe why each data collection and display tool was selected for the QI plan. This section should be half a page to a full page. (This information was initially covered in Part II, but you may find your responses to the questions for Part IV relevant).
Benchmarking: Describe what the organization will use as a standard to compare performance, such as a comparative database or a competing organization’s annual report.
Reporting & Communication: Identify who the performance activity outcomes are communicated to and who does the communicating. This describes who is responsible for overseeing data collection and preparing data reports. This section should be approximately one or two paragraph.
Education: Describe how staff will be educated regarding the plan. This covers how each staff member will be initially oriented to the plan and each employee fits into the plan based on job responsibilities. This section must be approximately one to two paragraphs.
Annual Evaluation: Describe what and how elements of the plan are annually evaluated for improvement. This section must be approximately one paragraph.
Cite a minimum of 5 (no more than five years old) credible references (at the graduate level you must draw from relevant scholarly journals. Do not use websites, online dictionaries, etc.)
Format your assignment consistent with APA guidelines. For example, be sure to include a title page, provide a proper introduction and conclusion, and a properly formatted reference list
