RCEM QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Writing up a QI project
These headings, which are based on the SQUIRE Guidelines, will assist in writing up a
QIP.
Title
Indicate that the manuscript concerns an initiative to improve healthcare (broadly
defined to include the quality, safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness,
timeliness, cost, efficiency, and equity of healthcare).
Abstract
Provide adequate information to aid in searching and indexing.
Summarise all key information from various sections of the text using a structured
summary such as: background, local problem, methods, interventions, results and
conclusions.
Introduction
Problem: Describe the nature and significance of the local problem; define
the need for intervention and what was trying to be accomplished
Background: Summarise the current knowledge base
Setting: Describe the department or service where the project took place,
outline the staff or patient groups involved
Specific aim: Purpose of the project and of this report
Methods
Design: Describe what study design was used. Explain what change was
envisaged, how this was to be done, and how this was to be recorded and
studied
Interventions: Description of the intervention(s) in sufficient detail that others
could reproduce it
People: Specifics of the team involved in the work
Measures: Measures chosen for studying processes and outcomes of the
intervention(s), including rationale for choosing them, their operational
definitions, and their validity and reliability. Methods employed for assessing
completeness and accuracy of data
Results
Effects of the change: How did you measure the effects of your change? What
happened as a result of the interventions? Initial steps of the intervention(s) and their
evolution over time (e.g., time-line diagram, flow chart, or table), including
modifications made to the intervention during the project. Describe details of the
process measures and outcome.
RCEM Quality Improvement Guide (2016) Page: 32