Module Components

• Learning Activities

Topics

• Definition of QI
• Differentiating between Research and Quality Improvement
• QI and Ethics
• Dissimination of QI

NRSG 790 - Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Module 14: Outcomes Management and Quality Improvement

Definition of QI

Quality improvement activities are an important component of hospital operations. Because QI activities are data-driven and involve human participants, it is not surprising that there can be overlap with research methodologies common to human subjects research. Where there overlap exists between QI and research methodologies, the federal regulations that protect human research participants may apply. Whether the QI activity is human subjects research or not, it is vital that it be executed in a manner that is ethical and respects the rights and welfare of the human participants.

Frequent Questions Related to Quality Improvement:

• What is QI and what distinguishes it from research?
• When is IRB approval needed (i.e., when is QI human subjects research)?
• Can QI studies be published even without IRB approval?
• What ethical oversight is appropriate for QI activities that aren't research?/li>

Definitions

• Quality Improvement (QI)
  
  A working group from the Hastings Center "...defined QI as systematic, data-guided activities designed to bring about immediate improvements in health delivery in particular settings." Improving the quality of care of patients is a fundamental obligation of health care providers. The QI process involves evaluating and learning from experience.
• Research:
  
  A systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.