Quality Improvement Flashcards

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is used in QI to:

Answer: Judge whether a change in a patient score is meaningful to the patient

The MCID is the smallest change in an outcome score that patients see as beneficial.

A clinic audits 30 random patient charts to check whether informed consent was documented before radiographs. This activity is a:

Answer: Clinical chart audit

A chart audit reviews records against set criteria to measure whether standards are being met.

Which radiation safety principle supports QI policies that justify every radiograph in CBP practice?

Answer: ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)

ALARA requires keeping radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable while still getting the diagnostic information needed.

In Lean methodology, what is the main focus?

Answer: Eliminating waste and non-value-added steps

Lean aims to remove waste so processes deliver value more efficiently.

What does DMAIC stand for in Six Sigma?

Answer: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control

DMAIC is the structured Six Sigma cycle for improving existing processes.

A CBP practice wants to know whether its new posture-retraining protocol improves outcomes. Which design gives the strongest evidence?

Answer: Randomized controlled trial

Randomized controlled trials control for bias and confounding, so they rank high in the evidence hierarchy.

Using validated outcome questionnaires at baseline and re-examination mainly supports which part of quality care?

Answer: Objectively documenting patient progress and justifying continued care

Serial validated outcome measures give objective evidence of progress and support decisions about care.