Steps to Quality Improvement > Assessment

Assessment is the act of systematically collecting information about an organization to determine its performance. An organization can assess how well it addresses the needs of its members, the community it serves or other stakeholders. Assessment provides a valuable snapshot of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for improvement.

Reflect & Learn (www.reflectlearn.org) states, “Many organizations pose the question, “How are we doing?” The organizational assessment serves as a tool that responds to this question—telling you how you are doing, what you are doing well and why you may not be doing well. Also, it should identify the areas that need improvement or change.”

An organization seeking to provide CLAS and reduce disparities in health care must ask, “What are the needs of the diverse population we serve?” and “How well do we meet the needs of our racial and ethnic minorities?” An assessment can help answer these questions and provide the information necessary to make important strategic and program decisions.

Assessment should provide regular feedback. It is the first step that any organization must take in its QI cycle—and regular assessment will help the QI team continuously improve performance. Leadership commitment to ongoing assessment will help sustain and integrate QI efforts throughout the organization.