Quality Improvement Flashcards

Which quality improvement methodology uses Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control phases?

Answer: Six Sigma DMAIC

Six Sigma uses the DMAIC framework to systematically reduce defects and variation in processes.

A hospital notices catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) increasing. The FIRST step in a quality improvement initiative should be:

Answer: Collect baseline data to understand current performance

Collecting baseline data is the essential first step to understand the scope of the problem before implementing changes.

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is best described as a:

Answer: Proactive tool used to identify potential failure points before they occur

FMEA is a proactive risk assessment technique that identifies potential failure modes and their effects before harm occurs.

Which of the following is an example of a structure measure in healthcare quality?

Answer: Nurse-to-patient staffing ratio

Structure measures assess organizational attributes like staffing ratios, equipment, and facilities rather than processes or outcomes.

A 'never event' in healthcare quality improvement refers to:

Answer: A serious, largely preventable adverse event that should never occur

Never events are serious, preventable patient safety events that should not occur if evidence-based preventive measures are in place.

The primary purpose of a control chart in quality improvement is to:

Answer: Distinguish between common cause and special cause variation

Control charts use statistical control limits to determine whether variation in a process is due to common causes or special causes requiring investigation.

Which accreditation body requires healthcare organizations to conduct a thorough and credible root cause analysis following a sentinel event?

Answer: The Joint Commission (TJC)

The Joint Commission requires organizations to perform a root cause analysis and develop an action plan after a sentinel event occurs.