Setting the foundation
Begin your QI project by identifying what needs improvement, assembling your team, and defining your project goals.
Step 1: Decide what needs to be improved
Is there something that you have noticed that could be improved? Identifying the right issue to tackle is the first step towards a successful QI project. Here’s how to choose a problem wisely and set the stage for impactful changes:
| Identify the issue | What specific process or problem do you want to address? Start by recognising what doesn't work well. |
|---|---|
| Confirm it's a problem | How do you know this is an issue? Gather evidence or feedback that highlights the need for improvement. |
| Seek agreement | Who else believes this is a problem? Ensuring that others see it as an issue too can help gather the necessary support. |
| Check authority | Do you have the approval or authority to address this problem? Make sure you can initiate changes within your scope. Gain approval from your line manager to proceed with the project. |
Tip for success
Choose a problem that is significant yet manageable. Focus on areas where you can make real changes without overextending your resources or authority. This ensures your project is both achievable and impactful.
Step 2: Assemble your team
Form your project team by gathering individuals with diverse expertise relevant to the process under review. Ideally you will include:
- Representatives from all affected areas
- A consumer (where relevant) to bring perspective on impact
- A quality advisor for maintaining standards
- A team leader to coordinate the efforts
You will also need to select a “project sponsor”. A project sponsor is a person, typically in a high-level position, who doesn't directly work on the project but provides overall support and guidance. They help ensure the project aligns with organisational goals and often have the authority to approve changes and resolve issues that affect the project's progress.
Step 3: Craft your aim statement
Set a clear and achievable target for your project. Once your team agrees on the process to improve, it's time to define exactly what you want to achieve. Create an aim statement that outlines your project goals using the SMART criteria:
| Specific | Clearly describe what you are trying to accomplish. |
|---|---|
| Measurable | Specify how you will measure success. |
| Achievable | Ensure the goal is realistic and can be achieved with your resources. |
| Result-Oriented | Aim for a significant impact that strives for improvement. |
| Time-Scheduled | Set a deadline for when the goal should be met. |
Example of a well-formed aim statement
"By December 2024, reduce the urinary tract infection rate among paediatric patients undergoing surgery at Wattle Hospital by 50% compared to the baseline rate in 2022, by improving catheter management practices and enhancing caregiver and staff education."
Your aim statement might change
After mapping the process and collecting data (steps 4 and 5), you might find that the problem isn’t as big as you thought, or it might not exist at all. If that happens, be prepared to revise your aim statement or focus on a new issue.
Writing an aim statement