Teams often flounder from the lack of an initial clear and concise problem statement. Once a team narrows their problem statement down to a discrete issue they are able to focus on, they can effectively apply quality improvement (QI) tools, and mature as a team. This saves valuable problem solving time and avoids early disengagement. When teams are unable to focus on the real issue, they lose valuable problem solving time, and become discouraged about the value of QI. Team members become disenfranchised from the process since they seem to be going in circles without making any progress.

 

In the June 2013 issue of Process Excellence Network, three Public Health Foundation (PHF) QI experts Jack Moran, Brynn Riley, and Les Beitsch published an article detailing twelve essential questions to help improve a project’s AIM statement. The questions and an accompanying checklist for project teams (which can be downloaded on this page) will help improvement work to get off on the right foot.

 

If you have any questions or want to share how you’re using this tool in your organization, contact Vanessa Lamers at [email protected].