Quality Improvement (QI): is the use of a deliberate and defined improvement process and the continuous and ongoing effort to achieve measurable improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness, performance, accountability, outcomes, and other indicators of quality that improve the health of a community (R. Bialek, L. M. Beitsch, A. Cofsky, et al, Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 2010).

Performance Management: is actively using performance data to improve the public’s health, including the strategic use of performance standards, measures, progress reports, and ongoing quality improvement efforts to ensure an agency achieves desired results (Turning Point. From Silos to Systems: Using Performance Management to Improve the Public’s Health, 2003).

Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA): is an iterative four-stage problem-solving model for improving a process or carrying out change. PDSA stems from the scientific method (hypothesize, experiment, evaluate). A fundamental principle of PDSA is iteration. Once a hypothesis is supported or negated, executing the cycle again will extend what one has learned (Embracing Quality in Local Public Health, Michigan’s QI Guidebook).

Internal Resources:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
DPH Performance Improvement Program

External Resources:

US Government Site:
Communicable Disease Control and Prevention
 CDC: Performance Management and Quality Improvement

Public Health Foundation:
Public Health Foundation, Performance Management 
Public Health Foundation, Quality Improvement

Public Health Accreditation:
Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)
PHAB Standards and Measures (PDF, see Domain 9)