Continuous quality improvement (CQI) is the responsibility
of all nurses and is fundamental when addressing the challenges of the health
care industry. CQI is a process in which current practices and evaluated and
modified continuously in an attempt to reach patient satisfaction. “Continuous
quality improvement is defined by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a
philosophy and attitude for analyzing capabilities and processes and improving
them repeatedly to achieve customer satisfaction” (Huber, 2014 p. 292). CQI is
also known for identifying and calculating quality issues, developing and
applying solutions and reassessing outcomes. “The Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality defined CQI as, techniques for measuring quality problems,
designing interventions and their implementation, along with process
re-measurements” (Huber, 2014 p. 292).

Many disciplines, including nurses, are joined to create
teams to help identify and implement changes where patient satisfaction is
lacking. “Continuous quality improvement teams, project teams, and
problem-solving teams are examples of ad hoc teams found across settings and
sites” (Huber, 2014 p. 135). Nurses are committed to providing CQI through
their code of ethics and scope of professional practice. “Nurses are bound by
their professional association’s Code of Ethics and scope of professional
standards to participate in the continuous improvement of the services they
provide” (Huber, 2014 p. 293). The participation of nurses in CQI is necessary
problem recognition and preparing a proposal for changes. “Nurses’ involvement
with continuous quality improvement and performance improvement systems
provides a basis for participation in strategic planning that is systematic and
thorough” (Huber, 2014 p. 336).

An example of how I would apply CQI in my current position
would be to recognize the issues that may be interfering with patient
satisfaction. The nurses on the floor spend the most time with the patients and
hear a majority of their concerns and complaints so discussing issues with
staff would be a good place to start. Having members of the leadership team
round daily to establish a relationship with the patients so they can voice
their experience is important. Leadership rounds should include gathering information
to understand the patient’s perspective and satisfaction. By receiving
information directly from the patient we can quickly address their concerns and
issues, increasing patient satisfaction.