Best tool to use?

Marianne,

Have you identified an aim for the project to document what it is that you'd like to accomplish as a result of the project?  This could effect the type of tool that you would use. 

Ty

I think since it sounds like you are aiming to improve a process, the flow chart is the way to go.  One of my favorite tools to use in combination with the flow chart is the fishbone diagram/cause and effect diagram.  It is really helpful for finding root causes of some of the bottlenecks, redundancies, and other sticking points in your current state process.

Hi Marianne,

I agree with Ty that an aim statement would you determine which tool to use, and with @jbritanik that a flow chart and root cause analysis tool would be helpful. For example, if you wanted to improve community engagement in the Community Themes and Strengths Assessment, you could do a flow chart/process map to see what the process looks like, and then use a root cause analysis (the 5 whys is my favorite) to see why engagement was not where you wanted it to be last time. Together, these two tools can help you identify areas of improvement that you can write a PDSA around.

There are some QI projects published on PHQIX that may help you brainstorm which tools to use and implementation details:

• The Cleveland County Quality Improvement Collaborative in Increased Community Engagement
• You are here Improving the Quality of Community Collaboration: Communication, Empowerment, and Diversity
• You are here Engage Your Community in Quality Improvement to “Move the Needle” for Positive Health Outcomes