Quality Improvement Flashcards

A practice notices its re-exam no-show rate rose from 8% to 20%. In a PDSA cycle, what is the best first step?

Answer: Plan a small test change, such as reminder texts, and predict its effect

PDSA starts by planning a small, testable change with a stated prediction before trying it.

Which factor most threatens the validity of comparing pre- and post-treatment sagittal radiographs?

Answer: Inconsistent patient positioning between the films

Positioning differences can create apparent changes in alignment that do not reflect true correction.

The Hawthorne effect in a QI project refers to:

Answer: Improved performance because people know they are being observed

People often change their behavior when they know they are being studied, which can inflate measured improvement.

A standard error of measurement (SEM) for a radiographic angle is used to:

Answer: Estimate the amount of measurement error, so you can tell whether a change is greater than error

The SEM tells clinicians how much of an observed change may be due to measurement error alone.

Which is a structure measure in the Donabedian quality framework?

Answer: Availability of calibrated digital radiography equipment

Structure measures describe the resources and setting where care is delivered, such as equipment and staffing.

Why is patient satisfaction alone a poor sole indicator of clinical quality?

Answer: It may not match objective health outcomes or appropriateness of care

Satisfaction reflects the patient's experience but may not match actual clinical improvement or evidence-based care.

After a successful QI change, which step helps sustain the improvement over time?

Answer: Standardizing the new process and keeping ongoing monitoring

Standardizing the new process and keeping up monitoring, as in the Control phase, prevents backsliding.