The Science ofImprovement
Improving healthcare effectiveness
Ubora Institute aims at improving quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare in resource-constrained countries through the application of the Science of Improvement.
This methodology should be traced back to the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and specifically to Dr W. Edwards Deming (1900-1993), who taught that by adhering to certain principles of management, organizations can increase quality and simultaneously reduce cost. (IHI – Science of Improvement). The Science of Improvement is an applied science based on rapid-cycle testing of innovative change ideas and subsequently learning about the change that results in an improvement in the context in which it is applied. To successfully implement Improvement Science, a multidisciplinary approach is needed that demonstrates an understanding of both clinical knowledge and skills (subject matter knowledge) as well as an understanding of the functioning of systems, variation in systems performance, human involvement in systems and systems’ changes (profound knowledge).
Based on Deming’s work, the Associates of Process Improvement (API) developed a framework — Model for Improvement — to aid in the application of the Improvement Science. The framework comprises three questions to define the aim, measurement plan and the specific idea to be tested. The second part of the framework aids in planning ‘small’ tests, executing the test and learning from the impact of the test to inform subsequent tests.
