Abstract

An improvement model for rapid change is applicable to community health projects. The model developed out of the Collaborative for the Prevention of Motor Vehicle Injuries, a joint effort of the American Society for Quality and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Extending the model and methods of the collaborative demonstrates that quality improvement initiatives are applicable to community projects. Characteristics of the model and method include: establishment of a core community team; fact-based selection of an overall aim; identification of the expertise and actions needed to implement specific change; and rapid deployment of plan-do-study-act cycles that build on the success of previous cycles. The community team must have the skills, awareness, and astuteness to know: what they are trying to do; what strategies are needed; and how to assess the link between change and improvement.