Question

Describe the difference between research and quality improvement. Provide a workplace example where qualitative and quantitative research is applied and how it was used within your organization. Discuss how these research findings might be incorporated into another health care setting.

Answer 1

The purpose of conducting research is to generate new knowledge or to validate existing knowledge based on a theory.

The purpose of Quality Improvement is to use a systematic, data-guided approach to improve processes or outcomes.

Component Research QI Generates new knowledge - Tests hypotheses Purpose - Examines internal processes and guides actions toward improvement Examines internal institution/process- specific issues - Generally not required May be generalizable to other patients, situations, settings Scope Informed consent Must be obtained if human subjects are involved (or justified to waive)

Measurement for Research Measurement for Improvement Purpose To discover new knowledge To bring new knowledge into TestsOne large blind test Biases Control for as many biases Stabilize the biases from test to Data Duration Can take a long time daily practice Many sequential, observable tests as possible Gather as much data as possible, just in case test Gather just enough data to learn and complete another cycle Short duration