Quality Improvement

Quality improvement is a process consisting of systematic and continuous actions that lead to measurable improvement. In healthcare this process leads to improvements in patient care outcomes, health care services and the health status of targeted patient groups.

Quality improvement requirements are a key component in the Pediatric Facility Recognition program to assure that aspects of pediatric emergency and critical care undergo continuous monitoring and evaluation.

Below are links to various quality improvement resources.  In addition, the National EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC) has developed a number of toolkits and resources designed to advance improvement in specific aspects of pediatric emergency care.

Resources

• Data Collection Tool Examples
• Pediatric Emergency Care Guidelines Online Medical Center Resources
• Sample Emergency Department Pediatric Quality Improvement Indicators

Web Resources

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

AHRQ is a lead national agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of healthcare. This website provides access to such resources as evidence-based clinical guidelines, quality indicators and grant/funding opportunities.

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

IHI is a not-for-profit organization that provides access to a variety of resources such as improvement models, tools, success stories.

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)

ISMP is a non-profit organization devoted entirely to medication error prevention and safe medication use. Their website provides access to numerous educational resources as well as a safety tools and resources.

A Leadership Guide to Quality Improvement for Emergency Medical Services Systems

This useful document guides EMS personnel in developing a quality improvement program, and integrating key quality improvement concepts and practices.

National EMSC Data Analysis Resource Center (NEDARC)

This national center works to improve state data capabilities as related to EMS and EMSC. Their website provides access to data, statistical and grant writing resources.

National Guideline Clearinghouse

This clearinghouse is a public resource through AHRQ that provides access to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.