Physician and Staff Acceptance of Continuous Quality Improvement

Background: Increasing numbers of health care organizations are adopting Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) principles. This study's objective was to evaluate the attitudes toward and acceptance of CQI by a family practice residency program's providers and staff after 3 years' experience with the process.

Methods: Our CQI project groups examine selected problems and develop system-based solutions. We surveyed staff, residents, and faculty to determine their awareness of the CQI projects, the perceived usefulness of the projects and results, how well they were informed of the results, and whether they believe CQI is a useful tool in our clinic.

Results: Of 19 clinical and/or administrative projects we implemented, 75% of the faculty, 55% of the residents, and 71% of the staff perceived the projects to be useful. Eighty-eight percent of the faculty, 64% of the residents, and 82% of the staff believe CQI to be useful tool in our clinic. However, only 50% of faculty, 36% of residents, and 24% of staff felt they were well informed of the project results. The time involved in CQI and the need to improve communication among personnel on CQI processes were identified as important concerns about CQI.

Conclusion: Faculty, resident, and staff members accept the CQI process and perceive it to be a useful tool in clinical practice. CQI requires attention to the time involved and communication about CQI projects and results.