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Nursing Scholarly Sources Guide

QI Definition

A Quality Improvement Project is an initiative with the goal of improving the processes or outcomes of the care being delivered (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011)

Comparison Quality Improvement Evidence-Based Practice Research
Purpose Improve client care Change practice with problem-solving approach & asking a clinical question Generate new knowledge with a systematic process of formulating a research question/hypothesis & gathering empirical data
Sample Unit & Systems Level Patient Population  Representative Population
Methods Evaluate current state of practice

Hierarchy/Level of evidences

 Quantitative &Qualitative study, seek IRB approval
Data Collection Evaluate current state of practice Search & critically appraise literature Collect & validate data
Analysis Analyze changes between initial state of practice and changes implemented Integrate evidence with clinical expertise, client preferences, and values to make/evaluate a practice change Analyze & interpret data
Results Improve Processes Impact Practice Add to body of knowledge
Implications Process Change Practice Change Understand change
Dissemination Unit/Organization Present EBP results, formulate standards/guidelines Present finding to scientific community

(Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011)

Change Process/Frameworks

Change Management is an action or process taken to transition an individual or group from a current state to a future state of being, generally for the purpose of QI.
Key steps in change management include:

  • Assessing readiness for change
  • Developing an implementation plan
  • Executing a pilot
  • Disseminating change
  • Anchoring the change within the organization

To effectively execute QI various change management theories may be applied, including:

Leadership Styles

Leadership skills are necessary to formulate an improvement strategy. Leadership sets the tone and ensures adherence toward QI objectives. Without effective leadership, a QI project may be ineffective.
Review leadership qualities and styles in this article from the American Nurses Association.