What is a quality improvement project?
For your final project in this course, you will be working on pieces of your capstone quality improvement project, the evidence-based project proposal. According to Ardnt & Netsch (2012), quality improvement projects "involves systematic data-guided activities designed to bring about immediate improvements in health care delivery in particular settings" (p.371). QI projects are similar to research studies and proposals, but are not the same. See the resources below to learn more about the similarities and differences.
Resources for Quality Improvement Projects
Differentiating Research from a QI Project
Differentiating Research from a QI Project
| |
Quality Improvement Project |
Research |
| Intent |
Apply known solutions to a limited problem
|
Discovery of new information creates generalizable knowledge to be applicable at more than 1 institution |
| Design |
Less rigorous, theoretical framework not included, speaks to problem at hand |
Rigorous, theoretical framework, adheres to accepted designs
|
| Setting |
A single setting and situation |
Single or Multiple settings |
| Timeline |
Shorter |
Longer |
| Benefit |
Subjects in the project and institution where the project was conducted |
Greater scientific community and clinicians, generalizable to greater populations and institutions |
| Outcome measurement |
Statistical analysis is optional |
Statistically appropriate measures |
| Extraneous variables |
May acknowledge but not controlled |
Variables are controlled and measured |
| Generalizable findings |
No |
Yes |
| Plan for dissemination |
Internal newsletters, flyers, posters |
Institution, IRB, government agencies |
| Oversight |
Institution where project is conducted |
Institution, IRB, government agencies |
| Subject risk |
None or minimal |
Varies, risk-to-benefit ratio must be considered |
| Informed consent |
No |
Yes |
| IRB |
Not always |
Yes |
References
Ardnt, J. V., & Netsch, D. S. (July/August 2012). Research study or quality improvement project? Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, Vol. 39(4), 371-375. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0b013e31825d259c
