Project Overview
The PI Project is a proposal that should contain a topic of interest to your Department Manager. The goal of the project proposal is that the information relates to a topic that can be implemented in your clinical work unit. The information contained in the project will be as real as we can make it i.e. topic, problem, AIM statement, literature review, budget, and timeline. The ability to make this project a clinical learning experience depends on you working with your clinical manager, completing the IHI modules, and working with me in the classroom.
Your professor will guide you through the process; however, the IHI modules will also help give you the information as a foundation for you to build your PI Project Proposal which section one is not due until week four.
Please take the time to complete the IHI modules, discuss ideas with your clinical manager, and the class will work on building this assignment together. Other tools for this project are in your D2L course site.
Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Framework
The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle or framework is a 4-step model for implementing change. The PDCA framework is often portrayed in a cycle that can be repeated again and again for continuous improvement. The PDCA cycle is considered to be an effective project planning tool for leaders. Variations of the PDCA framework are the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the Deming cycle, and the Shewhart cycle.
Plan: Recognize an opportunity and plan a change.
Do: Test the change. Carry out a small-scale study.
Check: Review the test, analyze the results, and identify what you've learned.
Act: Take action based on what you learned in the study step. If the change did not work, go through the cycle again with a different plan. If you were successful, incorporate what you learned from the test into wider changes. Use what you learned to plan new improvements, beginning the cycle again.
The following resources provide some additional explanation and examples of implementing the PDCA framework:
- Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Directions and Examples (AHRQ)
- Model for Improvement: PDSA Cycles (IHI)
- PDSA: Plan-Do-Study-Act (Minnesota DOH)
AIM Statements
What is an AIM statement?
An AIM statement is a clear, explicit description of what your team hopes to achieve. The AIM statement should be time-specific and measurable. It should also define the specific population of patients that will be affected. An AIM statement answers the question: What are we trying to accomplish?
How do I write an AIM statement?
When writing an AIM statement, consider the following:
- What are we trying to accomplish? Is it supported by evidence or experience?
- Why is it important?
- Who is the specific target population that will benefit from this improvement?
- When will this begin and be completed?
- How will this be carried out?
- Where will the change occur?
- What are the boundaries of the processes?
- What is/are our measurable goal(s)?
Where can I find examples of AIM statements?
The following sites provide information on how to write AIM statements as well as examples of effective and ineffective AIM statements:
- A Formula for Developing a Great Aim Statement (NICHQ)
- Science of Improvement: Setting Aims (IHI)
- Aim Statement (Minnesota DOH)
- Writing an Aim Statement (Health Quality Ontario)
- Worksheet for Developing Your Quality Improvement Project (Johns Hopkins)
