Quality Improvement (QI) is the framework we use to systematically improve health care that is delivered to our patients. QI is a core professional value and skill for physicians to analyze what we do and try to improve.
Medical schools are attempting to bridge the gap between education and practice by providing meaningful opportunities for medical students to engage in QI. Schools using the traditional “block model” for core clinical training find this to be challenging. The Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) model provides a unique year-long opportunity for students to fully engage in systems improvement.
Our Colorado Springs Branch students embraced the opportunity to develop, implement, perform and analyze the data from their QI projects this year. They applied the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) model for tracking the progress of their projects. This publication details their QI projects and describes their thought processes and ideas for future projects in our community.
Currently, QI education is evolving and we are proud of the accomplishments of our students. We thank the Colorado Springs Branch preceptors who have worked with our students on their projects. It’s exciting to see the Colorado Springs’ health care community engage in work that will improve the care we deliver to our patients!
-Dr. Jaime Baker, CSB Associate Director for Education
Class of 2021 Quality Improvement Projects
Appropriateness of Opioid Prescribing Practices in a Colorado Springs Emergency Department
Diamond in the Rough Exploring the Management of Postpartum Depression in a Pediatric Clinic
Elucidating Scope of Practice For Critical Care Techs at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
Expanding the Pediatric Mental Health Approach
Impact of SURPAS Surgical Risk Calculator on Patient Satisfaction
Implementation of a Collaborative Care Integrated Behavioral Health Model at a Local Clinic
Improving Compliance of ADA Diabetic Goals
Improving Diabetic Eye Disease Follow-up Via Electronic Communication
Increasing Preventative Care Visits 30 Minutes Today for a Healthier Forever
Interdisciplinary Rounds for Weight Loss in the Nursing Home
Outdoor Recreation and Exercise Help Us Help You
Screening for Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetes
All the Cool Kids Get Vaccinated-Addressing non-vaccination in a nursing home
Use of Flowcharts to Improve Understanding, Reporting, and Coding of Patient Safety Indicators
Quality of Life on the Problem List-fraily indentified and addressed in a geriatric population
Connecting At-Risk Adolescents-Partnering with Pediatricians and Behavioral Health Providers
Assessing Function & Medication Changes in Patients on Chronic Opioid Therapy
Dazed and Confused - Trauma Opioid Prescriptions at Discharge After Provider Education
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors-A Game Changer in Managing Hypertension
Addressing Patients’ Concerns About Colonoscopy-Addressing the Conversation
Transitions of Care- Encouraging Patients to Take an Active Role in the Hospital Discharge Process
Patient Self Hygiene Practices in the Hospital- A Quality Improvement Investigation
Navigating Colorectal Cancer Doesn’t Need to Be A Pain in the Butt
Not Kidding Around Home Firearm Safety Screening at a Community Pediatrics Clinic
Investigating Ventriculostomy Associated Infection- A Challenging Task due to Documentation Variance
Improving Health Literacy Around Marijuana Use in Pregnancy
Decreasing appointment times at a student ran free clinic in Colorado Springs
Do you know your patient’s end of life goals
Hepatitis C-Approving Rates of Screening in Ddults Born Between 1945-1965