Performance Improvement (PI) is about improving compliance and processes.
Projects are usually carried out to correct workflow processes, improve efficiencies, reduce variations in care, or address clinical administrative or educational problems. There's a known standard we are not reaching and we need to find out why and fix the process.
PI typically uses PDSA cycles to test changes.
QI ► EBP ► Research are part of the continuum of "Clinical Inquiry." You may not know at first where your question will fall on the continuum (and that's ok -- there's help). Start with your QUESTION.
Oncology Nursing Society. What is the difference between Quality Improvement, Evidence-Based Practice and Research?
EBP is about applying evidence that is NEW TO CARLE.
EBP is a problem-solving approach to clinical decision-making. EBP integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to improve outcomes. The process involves:
Research is about testing new practices or processes and creating new evidence that could apply beyond Carle.
Research is a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. You first determine if there's a need (a gap in the literature) then develop a research protocol (systematic investigation), test results - and hopefully add to the literature (the evidence base).
Research requires a protocol and IRB Review (may be deemed exempt). Don’t attempt research w/o consulting the Research Nurse Specialist.