The Distinction in Quality Improvement (QI) and Safety is ideal for residents interested in gaining knowledge and experience to inform a structured approach to improve the health system in which they practice. This distinction program will provide a self-directed curriculum in quality improvement and safety and an opportunity to apply this knowledge to a focused mentored quality improvement initiative. Topics covered include quality improvement frameworks, approaches to patient safety event review, teamwork, measurement, process analysis, and data analysis.
Program Objectives
- Apply a structured framework to a project with QI/logistical/technical support from the CRQS and specialty specific support from department faculty. Projects may include collaborators, though the distinction residents are to be integrally involved in design, implementation, data analysis and presentation.
- Gain practical knowledge in data collection and analysis within the VA health system.
- Have the opportunity to present a project at a local, regional, and/or national conference setting.
- Complete and gain certification in a certified QI curriculum (namely, Six Sigma Yellow Belt or IHI).
- Participate and/or lead supplemental QI and Patient Safety activities. Such activities can include, but are not limited to preparing and facilitating an IM M&M Report at the VA, participating in a QI/patient safety journal club series, facilitate an intern ambulatory session, participate in a root cause analysis at the VA.
Program Components
You will need to complete/appropriately progress through the following in order to satisfy the requirements for this distinction. See timeline below for time sensitive expectations. Your CRQS will discuss timely progress during your meetings.
Yellow Belt Course and Certification
This is an online course that will provide content about core QI concepts and principles. You will have an opportunity to apply these core concepts and tools when completing your QI project.
Upon completion of the Yellow Belt Course take the certification exam. The timeline for completing the course is below in the Expectations and Timeline Section.
The Yellow Belt Course is offered through GoLeanSixSigma. The login is your Emory email address.
Mentored QI Project
Each resident will participate in a group QI project. At the start of 2nd year, distinctions residents will be given a list of projects with mentors. They will rank their preferences and be placed in groups based on preferences. Historically, most projects have occurred at the Atlanta VAMC, but this is not mandatory.
A project timeline is outlined below in the Expectations and Timeline Section and includes when items need to be submitted for project check-in.
QI Distinctions Project Story Board: A PowerPoint slide deck to facilitate project completion. This is intended to be used throughout the year and as you complete different phases of the project. The Story Board is a guide and can modified as needed for your project.
Monthly Project Meetings with CRQS
One goal of the QI Distinction Program is rapid implementation and problem solving. It is expected that you meet periodically with your CRQS to update them on your progress and plan out next steps. It is part of the CRQS’ responsibility to help troubleshoot issues that may arise and to help facilitate logistical issues. Such meetings are typically held during the dedicated “Distinction Time” during Y weeks, but should be scheduled based on CRQS and distinction resident availability.
Academic Application of QI and Patient Safety
Expectations and Timeline
PGY2 July–October
- Complete Lean Yellow Belt Training
- Identify and select a relevant academic/teaching opportunity
- Assignment to a mentored, group, QI project
PGY2 November–February
- Complete QI project process/problem analysis (process map, cause and effect diagram)
- PGY2 March – June
- Develop a SMART aim for your QI project
- Define measures for your QI project
- Collect baseline data for your QI project
- Develop a change idea for your QI project
PGY3 July–December
- Complete PDSA Cycle #1 for your QI project
PGY3 January–July
- Submit QI Project Storyboard
- Additional PDSA cycles (dictated by individual project capacity/progression)
- Dissemination of QI project findings/outcomes
- Ensure completion of academic/teaching requirement
