The application of healthcare quality improvement methods during times of crises

Abstract

The application of quality improvement (QI) methodology is a fundamental part of a strong response to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Small-scale tests of change by implementing Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles supported by multi-disciplinary teams can be performed even in times of crises. QI studies can facilitate rapid improvements in patient care and health systems, without the need for larger-scale studies that may take months to perform. Ensuring that future healthcare trainees have a strong foundation in QI equips them with practical, coveted skills to apply both during pandemics, and throughout their careers.