Optimizing Quality Improvement Methods in Practice: A Case Study Approach.

Background: Quality improvement (QI) initiatives help ensure patients are receiving high-quality care. Iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles are used to test change. Data are evaluated over time, and tests of change can be modified or discarded as needed.

Problem: Health care QI teams lack the flexibility to conduct PDSA cycles, often conducting pre/post quasi-experimental research studies instead.

Approach: This article reviews a case study of a "personal improvement" initiative as an example of QI methods and data evaluation for an individual trying to lose weight. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on best practices for conducting QI initiatives; common pitfalls that clinicians may face when leading their own QI initiatives are identified and recommendations to overcome these challenges are discussed.

Conclusions: Concepts from this case study, along with supplemental resources provided, can help clinicians optimize QI methodologies in the health care setting.