What is a "quality improvement project"?

A quality improvement project is fundamentally a structured effort that focuses on enhancing specific aspects of an organization's processes or outcomes. This type of project typically involves a systematic approach to identifying areas needing improvement, defining measurable goals, assessing current performance, implementing changes, and evaluating the impact of those changes. Such projects are often data-driven and guided by methodologies such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles or Six Sigma.

By utilizing these structured methods, organizations can rigorously analyze data related to performance and quality, allowing targeted interventions that lead to sustainable improvements. This approach contrasts significantly with informal discussions about quality issues, which may not lead to actionable changes or measurable results, or with temporary team assignments that lack a clear focus on enhancing quality. Additionally, while risk management and compliance are critical components of organizational governance, they represent a different set of priorities and processes that do not inherently focus on the continuous improvement of quality in operational performance.