{
    "abstract": "Quality Improvement (QI) is the intentional process of making system-level changes in clinical processes with a continuous reassessment to improve the delivery of a product. In Emergency Medical Services, this product is essentially the delivery of high-quality prehospital care. This differs from quality assurance, which is more consistent with protocol, process, or policy compliance. Quality improvement programs typically work best in an environment that implements change through a robust, non-punitive education program. Effective QI programs are transparent; both administration and clinical staff understand the goals and methods of any ongoing quality improvement project. Quality improvement programs often use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure ongoing clinical performance, identify areas for improvement, and assess the impact of process changes. EMS systems should build their KPIs on clinical evidence, a perceived system deficit, or an operational need. The goal of QI is to develop a high-reliability organization that operates in a relatively error-free state over a long period of time. ",
    "authors": [
        {
            "collective": null,
            "firstname": "Erin W.",
            "initials": "EW",
            "lastname": "Lincoln"
        },
        {
            "collective": null,
            "firstname": "Essie",
            "initials": "E",
            "lastname": "Reed-Schrader"
        },
        {
            "collective": null,
            "firstname": "Jeffrey L.",
            "initials": "JL",
            "lastname": "Jarvis"
        }
    ],
    "copyrights": "Copyright \u00a9 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.",
    "doi": null,
    "isbn": null,
    "language": "eng",
    "publication_date": "2025",
    "publication_type": "Study Guide",
    "publisher": "StatPearls Publishing",
    "publisher_location": "Treasure Island (FL)",
    "pubmed_id": "29297735\n29530653\n28420542\n27016497\n27016496\n24052772\n22128906\n29966075\n18379908\n30119989\n30371210\n28802343\n29966076\n11789638\n19947872\n30725667",
    "sections": [
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Introduction"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Issues of Concern"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Clinical Significance"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "Review Questions"
        },
        {
            "chapter": null,
            "title": "References"
        }
    ],
    "title": "StatPearls"
}