QI Tools and Resources

Below find tools and resources that are often used as part of EIIC's QI Collaboratives.

QI tools

In QI, several tools are at your disposal to help you organize and execute your work. We will highlight some of the essentials your team may consider using: 

Action Plan

An action plan includes essential information about how your team will design, implement, manage, and assess quality. Action Plan

Collaborator Grid

A collaborator is any person or group that can have influence or power on a project, who may be affected by changes made during the project, or who may have an interest in the outcome of the work. The collaborator grid names and identifies the extent of influence and interest each person or group has on the project or change, gathers thoughts and ideas, gets support from important partners, and communicates to everyone involved. Collaborator Grid

Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what you or your team is doing. It should be short enough to deliver during a brief elevator ride, hence the name. The goal is to communicate who you are, what you do, and why it matters, in a compelling way that prompts further conversation or action. Elevator Pitch

Fishbone Diagram

A fishbone diagram is a visual tool that analyzes and displays various factors contributing to a specific effect. Categories may include Materials, Methods, Equipment, Environment, and People. Fishbone Diagram

Implementation Steps

Implementation steps are a structured approach outlining the plans, strategies, and resources needed to execute a proposed improvement initiative. Implementation Steps

Key Driver Diagram

A driver diagram can be used to plan improvement project activities. It provides a way of systematically laying out aspects of an improvement project so they can be discussed and agreed on. See an example of a completed diagram here. Driver Diagram

PDSA Worksheet

As you conduct your PDSA cycles, you can track each test of change in several ways. Attached is an example of a worksheet your team can use to help track your efforts. PDSA Worksheet

Process Map

A process map or workflow map is a visual outline of the steps in a process. Process maps show the steps, identify personnel and/or groups responsible for processes or tasks, and find one or multiple sources of a problem or identify potential areas for improvement. A process map also conveys the steps needed to achieve the final goal.

SMART Aim

A SMART aim statement is a clear, explicit summary of what your team hopes to achieve over a specific amount of time. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Based) SMART Aim

Stakeholder Analysis and Mapping

Before starting your project, it is essential to analyze the different stakeholders that should be involved. This analysis helps identify individuals or groups who are concerned or have an interest in the change that the project will bring about. Clinicians, administrators, patients, EMSC State Partners, community organizations, and families may be included in this list. The objective is to gauge their level of interest in the project, their ability to impact the change, and how much time and resources should be allocated to maintain their involvement and commitment. 

The EIIC has an example template that your team can use to help define who these key stakeholders are in your project work. Key Stakeholder Interview Template

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within your organization, EMSC program, or special workgroup/taskforce. Additionally, a periodic SWOT analysis may be useful to the continued development of project goals and objectives throughout the project. SWOT Analysis

QI resources

• Read the EMSC Quality Improvement white paper, published in 2019, for an overview of the QI approach, exploration of QI measures, review of EMSC's use of QI to advance its mission, highlighting QI examples, and discussion of opportunities to engage in QI.
• Download a presentation, originally presented at the 2017 EMSC Quality Transformation Meeting, discussing QI tools in greater detail.