Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI)

QAI is a system-level, iterative approach to identifying problems; planning and testing an intervention to address the identified problem; reviewing the results of this intervention; and adjusting the intervention based on the results.

The QAI approach is a continuous, incremental process to assure that the identified problem has been adequately addressed and the system has been adjusted to prevent reoccurrence. Each QAI project can often inform future QAI projects.

NASBHC often employs the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model for QAI projects.

The QAI process leads to several favorable outcomes including: increasing stakeholder belief and buy-in; guiding selection of appropriate intervention(s); considering costs, social impact, and side effects from implementation or non-implementation of proposed change; and identifying an appropriate and realistic amount of improvement.

QAI Tools

CQI Tool:
An SBHC-focused tool to support a QAI project focused on clinical quality measures. The CQI Tool includes age-specific quality measures, chart review forms, evaluation criteria, and detailed resources for each measure.

Mental Health Planning and Evaluation Template: A QAI tool used in planning or evaluating new or established mental health programs in a school-based health center or in any school setting.

QAI Resources

Academic Success Toolkit:
With increasing pressure to demonstrate the link between SBHCs and academic outcomes, this toolkit promotes a Healthy Learners Alliance encouraging partnerships among a wide range of stakeholders to eliminate inequities in academic outcomes and health care access.

NASBHC’s Quality Improvement Initiatives:
The quality improvement experience of nearly 100 SBHCs over five years is documented in these program materials

SBHC Report Card:
School-based health centers (SBHCs) are increasingly asked to evaluate and be accountable for their productivity. What this means and what it entails for this model of care is not clear. NASBHC has developed guidelines for SBHCs to adopt when evaluating their productivity. Click here for the SBHC Report Card.