QI Foundations: The Basics

This foundational-level QI training is comprised of a series of online, self-paced learning resources provided by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). The knowledge and skills gained through the training series are especially beneficial to learners who are interested in furthering their QI training by taking the QI Jump Start (intermediate-level) and Leading Healthcare Improvement (advanced-level) courses offered through the I-QIPS.

Goal

The overall educational goal of the this training (series of self-paced learning resources) is to provide beginner-level learners with knowledge and skills in the science of improvement and patient safety for the purpose of preparing and enabling them, regardless of their roles, to actively participate in quality improvement initiatives at the department level within their institutions.

Objectives

By the end of the training, the learner should be able to:

1. Recognize their role in quality improvement
2. Provide an overview of the different types of quality improvement methodologies (e.g., lean, six sigma, model for improvement, etc.)
3. Participate in multidisciplinary teams to promote and enhance safe patient care
4. Educate trainees on quality- or safety-related initiatives within their department
5. Integrate learned concepts into future quality improvement initiatives in their department as a participant or committee member

Content

• Overview of quality goals at institutional and national arenas
• Basic introduction to quality improvement methodologies (e.g., lean, six sigma, model for improvement, etc.)
• Examples of how learners can actively contribute to the quality initiatives being conducted within their institutions 

Learning Resources

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School provides a number of online courses and resources designed to build core skills in improvement, patient safety, and leadership. BCM learners are eligible to obtain free access to the Open School course materials and other improvement tools and programs/training provided by the IHI.

Access Instructions: Use the below button to view IHI login instructions for BCM learners. When prompted, USE YOUR BCM CREDENTIALS to proceed to the instructions page.

IHI Certification - Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety

All QI beginner-level learners are strongly encouraged to obtain the Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, offered by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). The required courses for the certification are designed to help learners gain a foundational understanding of quality improvement and patient safety principles and tools.

To earn the IHI Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, learners must complete 13 required courses, as follows: QI 101-105, PS 101-105, TA 101, and L 101. Each course may be accessed below.

Tip: When accessing a course, right click on its link to open the item in a new/separate browser window, which will allow this page to remain open for easy reference, as needed.

Improvement Capability

• QI 101: Introduction to Health Care Improvement
• QI 102: How to Improve with the Model for Improvement
• QI 103: Testing and Measuring Changes with PDSA Cycles
• QI 104: Interpreting Data: Run Charts, Control Charts, and Other Measuring Tools
• QI 105: Leading Quality Improvement

Patient Safety

• PS 101: Introduction to Patient Safety
• PS 102: From Error to Harm
• PS 103: Human Factors and Safety
• PS 104: Teamwork and Communication
• PS 105: Responding to Adverse Events

Triple Aim for Populations

• TA 101: Introduction to the Triple Aim for Populations

Person- and Family-Centered Care

• PFC 101: Introduction to Patient-Centered Care

Leadership

• L 101: Introduction to Health Care Leadership

IHI Video Library

In addition to obtaining the Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety described above, all QI beginner-level learners are encouraged to review the select videos listed below.

Tip: When accessing a below video, right click on its link to open the item in a new/separate browser window, which will allow this page to remain open for easy reference, as needed.

• The Science of Improvement on a Whiteboard
• Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge (Part 1)
• Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge (Part 2)
• Flowcharts (Part 1)
• Flowcharts (Part 2)
• The Model for Improvement (Part 1)
• The Model for Improvement (Part 2)
• PSDA Cycles (Part 1)
• PSDA Cycles (Part 2)
• Run Charts (Part 1)
• Run Charts (Part 2)
• Why is Planning Such an Important Part of PDSA?
• How Long Should a PDSA Cycle Last?
• Cause and Effect Diagram
• How Do You Use a Driver Diagram?
• Is There a Secret to Sustaining Improvements?

Other Foundational Resources (optional)

Tip: When accessing a below resource, right click on its link to open the item in a new/separate browser window, which will allow this page to remain open for easy reference, as needed.

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) - Quality Measure Tools and Resources
  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Performance Management and Quality Improvement
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) - Resources for Quality Improvement
• Public Health Foundation (PHF) - Quality Improvement Resources
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) - Free Resources