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Overview of the Problem Solving Cycle
In preparing to introduce a quality improvement initiative, managers
must create a supportive environment for this initiative, form and train a team to implement the initiative, and work with the team to focus on the needs and priorities defined by users of their health services. These steps are described in other sections of the Guide. However, new readers may find the quality improvement process easier to
understand if they read this section on problem solving first.
One way to start to improve quality is to solve existing problems. To
begin the process for the first time, think about a small but important
problem that is likely to be resolved with some thought and work. Start
by envisioning that problem as having the six distinct steps illustrated in the graph above.
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Identifying the problem--Which problem should I address? If there
are several, how do I choose the most important one?
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Describing the problem--How do I accurately and completely describe the problem?
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Analyzing the problem--What are the different causes of the problem, and which causes are most important to solve right away?
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Planning the solutions--What are the different alternative solutions
for solving the problem?
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Implementing the solutions--How do I make sure the solutions are
implemented correctly and effectively?
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Monitoring/evaluating the solutions--How did the solutions work?
What needs to be changed?
A small project in the beginning serves as a tool for learning about
quality improvement and as a catalyst for change. Choose a problem
that is both important and manageable. If the problem is important, its
resolution will also be visible, and the perceived improvements will
invite increased interest in the quality improvement efforts. If the scope of the problem is manageable, resolution is more likely and
learning is more focused. It is essential that the first problem solving cycle be a success!
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Case Study
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