About the Guide > How to Use This Guide

The information found in the “Steps to Quality Improvement” section of the Guide is organized into four chapters that follow the steps of a basic QI process.

1. Assessment
2. Planning
3. Implementation
4. Evaluation

Each chapter contains information on following the process and examples from a variety of settings.

Small Tests of Change

Within the Planning and Implementation phases of the process, the Guide encourages the use of small tests of change in which the QI team plans and implements initiatives on a small scale or implements smaller components of a larger initiative.  This is done in order to evaluate initiatives and make necessary modifications before moving forward with the next small test. Small tests can be implemented until all potential problems or unintended consequences are identified and can help reduce the risks that come along with changes or new programs in any organization. Refer to the sections on Planning and Implementation for a more detailed discussion of small tests.

While the Guide promotes small tests of change and the practice of breaking larger changes or projects into smaller components for testing before moving forward, it is important not to lose sight of the larger goal. Whatever the initiative, the organization should not forget why it is doing this work, what it hopes to change and who the changes will impact. As the QI team moves forward, it should continue to assess its progress and ensure that with every change, the initiative is doing what it is intended to do—taking the organization one step closer to improved healthcare for its diverse population.

Ideally, efforts to improve culturally and linguistically appropriate care and services and to reduce disparities are part of a continuous cycle of quality improvement. Organizations that undertake this approach are making a great start.  Even small changes made now will add up and contribute to more patient-focused, responsive and higher quality care for diverse populations.

Resource Library

Tools, resources and reference materials that can be used to help implement the process can be found in the Resource Library. Most materials can be downloaded directly from the Resource Library; others are on Web sites, in e-learning courses or in other interactive tools for which URLs are provided.

The resources available in the library can be searched through an easy-to-use search function. The search box is located in the top right-hand corner of every screen and can also be accessed on the Resource Library main page. The resources can also be browsed according to type of health care organization, the steps in the QI process, specific target population or other topic area.