Methods
Continuous Quality Improvement Cycle
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is a process of collecting, analyzing & using data to improve the quality of services or products on an ongoing basis. Put simply, CQI helps teams “get better at getting better.”
The Continuous Quality Improvement Cycle is a series of steps – Plan, Do, Study, Act – for structuring a CQI practice. It is part of our CQI Process for Social Service Providers.
1. Plan
– Propose an experiment & hypothesis, i.e., a new or different approach to test
– Develop specific plan for testing & include in creating a Capacity Improvement Plan
– Identify key roles & resource needs
– Define time frame & measures of success
2. Do
– Prepare to implement the Capacity Improvement Plan
– Implement the Capacity Improvement Plan
– Collect documentation & data
3. Study
– Track results & analyze impact
– Share results with team
– Identify possible adjustments
– Identify & celebrate learnings & successes
4. Act
– Adopt successful practices
– Make adjustments where needed
– Determine what more needs to be done and/or learned
– Set up for next round
