4.1 What is Measurement in QI?
- 5 minutes

This module introduces how to measure improvement and determine whether changes are leading to better outcomes in pediatric mental health care access. It focuses on using data to track progress, understand impact, and guide ongoing improvement efforts.
Key Focus Areas: Measurement for improvement, quantitative and qualitative data, practical data collection methods across settings, and displaying data using tools such as run charts to track change over time.
What You Will Be Able To Do: Identify meaningful measurements aligned with your AIM statement, distinguish between types of data, collect data using practical methods in your setting, and display results in ways that support learning and team engagement.
Getting Started: Begin with “What Is Measurement in QI?” to understand how data is used to track improvement. Then explore data types and collection methods before reviewing how to display results to support your team.
To watch a video overview of these modules, please click here.
Discover the role of measurement in quality improvement and how simple, consistent data helps teams assess progress and achieve meaningful results.
To build a well-rounded measurement plan, QI teams also consider what the measure is telling them. Is it about how the system is set up, what's happening day to day, or what results you're getting? That's where the four core types of QI measures come in: process, outcome, structural, and balancing measures.
Learn how different healthcare and community-based teams collect and use data to identify improvement opportunities, monitor progress, and strengthen pediatric behavioral health care.
Data that's easy to understand builds momentum, accountability, and celebration. It helps frontline staff and leadership see the value of improvement efforts and sustains engagement over time.
Review measurement practices within quality improvement PMHCA programs to improve care access.
Test your understanding of measurement in QI and the means of gathering and using data to understand whether your changes are leading to the outcomes you want.
View the complete list of references and source materials cited throughout Module 4.