Why Quality Improvement Research is Imperative in the Current Health Care System
Quantitative research in the realm of Quality Improvement (QI) is crucial because it provides a systematic and evidence-based approach to enhancing processes, systems, and outcomes in various fields of medicine. By employing data-driven methodologies, QI research enables the identification of inefficiencies, the measurement of progress, the implementation of interventions, and the evaluation of their impact. Ultimately, it serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement, fostering innovation, efficiency, and the delivery of higher-quality services or products.
Why Should a Physician Learn About Qaulity Improvement Research
A deep understanding of Quality Improvement (QI) research equips physicians with the tools not only to provide patient care but also to identify inefficiencies within the healthcare system. By employing QI methodologies, physicians can initiate changes aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, streamlining processes, and improving overall healthcare delivery. This knowledge creates a ripple effect, as the improvements made by a single physician can positively impact the larger community by setting precedents for better practices, elevating standards of care, and ultimately benefiting a broader patient population.
We aim to support physicians who not only prioritize patient care but also work towards improving the system, benefiting the larger society.
What QI Research Opportunities do we Have at GBMC
GBMC has a renowned operational and organizational infrastructure to support Quality Improvement research opportunities. With direct supervision and mentorship from QI focused attendings, there are plenty of opportunities to conduct QI research projects and publish. GBMC Internal Medicine residency program offers an excellent combination of both theoretical and practical knowledge of Quality Improvement and patient safety work. We are proud to be a champion in co-production of health with our patients.
Few Past/Current QI Project(s) Conducted by our Residents/Faculty:
- Improving patient communication with communication card – A QI research for improving communication with patients by using communication card. This project was highlighted as a Significant achievement in Quality improvement arena at the 2023 national conference of IHI.
- ‘Sepsis warriors’ -Sepsis awareness workshop – A resident-led educators’ group who runs workshops on sepsis in different departments of the hospital to create awareness for sepsis.
- Sepsis bundle compliance improvement research study- A QI research study for improving sepsis related outcomes by improving sepsis bundle compliance in emergency department.
- Reduction of unnecessary Laboratory work- A successful QI research to reduce repeated blood work to improve clinical workflow and patients’ satisfaction by using medical informatics.
- Improvement of in-patient glycemic control- A QI research for improving inpatient glycemic control by using medical informatics.
Resident's Perspective
As an internal medicine resident, almost all of my time in hospital has been focused on patient's care through putting in orders and writing a note. This SHO rotation opens up the world happening behind the scenes to ensure how the system is working as a team to deliver best patient care like MHAC meeting to look for causes of errors and if deviating from standard of care and what in the level of system can be changed to avoid further, grievance meeting to listen to patient's feedback and correct the issues, medication safety committee meeting to coordinate between pharmacist, doctors and technical team to solve issues at system levels. Following LMS rounds really show how small steps and goals each month from different departments could improve the cost, efficiency and patient's care overall. IHI module for QI and Patient's safety educate me on what to look for in my daily practice and ways to improve system levels via PDSA cycle. Overall, this is very rewarding experience especially for me as I want to get into healthcare management positions in the future.
— Christina Aung, PGY2 Internal Medicine Resident
