RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Immediate and long-term effects of a team-based quality improvement training programme
JF BMJ Quality & Safety
JO BMJ Qual Saf
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 366
OP 373
DO 10.1136/bmjqs-2018-007894
VO 28
IS 5
A1 Kevin J O’Leary
A1 Abra L Fant
A1 Jessica Thurk
A1 Karl Y Bilimoria
A1 Aashish K Didwania
A1 Kristine M Gleason
A1 Matthew Groth
A1 Jane L Holl
A1 Claire A Knoten
A1 Gary J Martin
A1 Patricia O’Sullivan
A1 Mark Schumacher
A1 Donna M Woods
YR 2019
UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/28/5/366.abstract
AB Background Although many studies of quality improvement (QI) education programmes report improvement in learners’ knowledge and confidence, the impact on learners’ future engagement in QI activities is largely unknown and few studies report project measures beyond completion of the programme.Method We developed the Academy for Quality and Safety Improvement (AQSI) to prepare individuals, across multiple departments and professions, to lead QI. The 7-month programme consisted of class work and team-based project work. We assessed participants’ knowledge using a multiple choice test and an adapted Quality Improvement Knowledge Assessment Test (QIKAT) before and after the programme. We evaluated participants’ postprogramme QI activity and project status using surveys at 6 and 18 months.Results Over 5 years, 172 individuals and 32 teams participated. Participants had higher multiple choice test (71.9±12.7 vs 79.4±13.2; p<0.001) and adapted QIKAT scores (55.7±16.3 vs 61.8±14.7; p<0.001) after the programme. The majority of participants at 6 months indicated that they had applied knowledge and skills learnt to improve quality in their clinical area (129/148; 87.2%) and to implement QI interventions (92/148; 62.2%). At 18 months, nearly half (48/101; 47.5%) had led other QI projects and many (41/101; 40.6%) had provided QI mentorship to others. Overall, 14 (43.8%) teams had positive postintervention results at AQSI completion and 20 (62.5%) had positive results at some point (ie, completion, 6 months or 18 months after AQSI).Conclusions A team-based QI training programme resulted in a high degree of participants’ involvement in QI activities beyond completion of the programme. A majority of team projects showed improvement in project measures, often occurring after completion of the programme.