EpideM: A model for quality improvement

Abstract

Background: Existing quality improvement (QI) models have been used with varied success in health care. We developed the EPIDEM Model of Quality Improvement to apply QI principles to health care and promote a widespread culture of quality and patient safety. Methods: The EPIDEM acronym can be used to teach and remember the steps of process improvement: explore relevant issues and contextual factors, promote to the right people, implement timely solutions, document steps, evaluate with meaningful measures, and make modifications to improve interventions further. Results: The EPIDEM model requires no previous QI training and can be used in conjunction with other QI tools. Our model uniquely emphasizes understanding local context, culture, and resources throughout the QI process. Conclusions: We hope that this new QI model will help facilitate an “EPIDEMic” of healthcare QI for our institution and others by providing a foundational framework to successfully implement QI initiatives.