Quality improvement in urological care: Core methodological principles

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this article is to summarise core quality improvement (QI) methodologies and concepts to assist urology teams in conducting well-designed improvement projects. Materials and Methods: We provide an introduction to the methodological foundations of QI, including the model for improvement, plan-do-study-act, lean and six sigma and present some useful QI tools such as process modelling and pareto charts with examples of how they might be applied to urological care. We also introduce the concept of measurement for QI and describe how this differs from the more traditional measurement approaches used in research. Results: The key to successful QI work undoubtedly lies in the careful planning and appropriate selection of the available QI tools and methods, alongside pragmatic approaches to measurement that yield enough data to spot meaningful variation in outcomes. Conclusions: To support these core methods, QI leadership and stakeholder engagement will be critical to embedding QI into urological care and ensuring that improvements can be sustained once QI projects come to an end. Level of evidence: Not applicable.