Includes bibliographical references and index.

Gap between what we know and what we do -- Finding scientific evidence to apply for clinical improvement -- Working in interprofessional teams for the improvement of patient care -- Targeting an improvement effort -- Process literacy -- Measurement part 1: data analysis for improvement -- Measurement part 2: using run charts and statistical process control charts to gain insight into systems -- Understanding and making changes in a system -- Spreading improvements -- Chapter into educators: designing ways for students to learn to improve care.

Research is proving that quality improvement (QI) initiatives are more successful when implemented with an interprofessional approach. Authored by a team of physicians and nurses, the second edition of Fundamentals of Health Care Improvements is grounded in this principle. Charting a course for future health care professionals, the book provides a single source for nursing students, medical students, and resident physicians to learn and practice the basics of QI. The following special features of this updated edition prepare readers to be advanced beginners in QI: Methods for identifying and closing the quality gap and improving patient safety. Instruction on how find, evaluate, and apply scientific evidence for improving care. Discussion of communication, teamwork and an interprofessional approach. description of process literacy and a variety of process modeling/mapping procedures. Comparisons between and practical applications of types of measurement. Interviews with well respected change agents about their QI success stories. Teacher's Guide chapter with activities for medical and nursing students.