Development of QI Activity Evaluation Framework Based on PDCA and Case Study on Quality Improvement Activities

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop an evaluation framework for QI activity in medical institutions and to analyze QI activity cases by applying the developed evaluation framework. Method: A four-phase process was employed to develop the evaluation framework, and a descriptive survey was used for the QI case study. Data were collected in April, 2010 by examining 157 QI activity cases presented at conferences and published in Journal of Korean Society of Quality Assurance in Health Care over the past three years. Developed QI activity evaluation instruments were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 18.0 for Windows program. Result: A QI Activity Evaluation Framework was developed. This framework consisted of 45 items. The department with the highest level of QI participation was the nursing department. The most frequent QI activity theme was patient safety. QI activity levels in Korean medical institutions are relatively equalized without significant differences according to institution characteristics. Conclusions: From the quality aspect of QI activity, more systematic and scientific approaches are required to upgrade QI activity. This study could provide methodological guidelines for QI activity and be useful in setting goals and directions for QI activity in medical institutions in Korea.