Overview of Quality Improvement Tools – Webinar Series

This series of modules developed by the Quality Improvement Core provide a detailed overview of quality improvement tools including key definitions and examples.

5 Whys
This 5-minute module introduces the 5 Whys tool, which is a tool to conduct a root cause analysis. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define root cause and why it is important
• Define the 5 Whys tool and explain how it is used
• Describe an example of how to use the 5 Whys.

Brainwriting
This 6-minute module introduces the brainwriting tool. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define brainwriting and why we use it
• Discuss brainwriting instructions (6-3-5 method)
• Discuss examples of alternative brainwriting methods:
• Gallery brainwriting
• Index Card Method

Fishbone Diagram
This 7-minute module introduces fishbone diagram, which is a tool to conduct a root cause analysis. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define root cause and why it is important
• Define the fishbone diagram and explain how it is used
• Describe an example of how to use a fishbone diagram

Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycles
This 6-minute module introduces the Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define the Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle, including why and how to use it
• Define and discuss the key components of the Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle
• Discuss scaling down your change ideas using the "drop-two" principle,
• Share tips on testing multiple change ideas in parallel using Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycles for quick & efficient assessment

Prioritization
This 11-minute module introduces the concept of prioritization, including two prioritization tools. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define prioritization, including why and when to use it
• Define and discuss two tools of prioritization; impact matrix and prioritization matrix
• Define the key components of each of these tools
• Share tips and examples of when and how to utilize each of these prioritization tools

Project Charter
This 8-minute module introduces the project charter. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define a project charter
• List the benefits of using a project charter
• Define key components of a project charter
• Identify ways to successfully create a project charter