Several methodologies are commonly employed in healthcare quality improvement:
1. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle: This iterative method involves planning an intervention, implementing it on a small scale, studying the results, and acting based on the findings to implement broader changes. 2. Lean: Originating from manufacturing, Lean focuses on reducing waste and improving process efficiency. 3. Six Sigma: This data-driven approach aims to reduce variation and improve quality by identifying and eliminating defects in processes. 4. Root Cause Analysis (RCA): This method identifies the underlying causes of a problem to prevent future occurrences. 5. Benchmarking: Comparing performance metrics with industry standards or leading organizations to identify areas for improvement.