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Quality Improvement Clinical Tools

The quality improvement (QI) clinical tools were compiled by the Health Quality Patient Safety (HQPS) Committee to facilitate collaboration among teams developing interventions to improve inpatient care.  The tools have been implemented in a variety of clinical settings and include order sets, guidelines, templates, and worksheets.  The resulting library does not imply endorsement by HQPS or SHM.  

Each tool includes a cover sheet that includes the following information to help you select the tool best suited to the needs of your institution:

1. Title
2. Purpose
3. Submitting author
4. Institution
5. E-mail contact information
6. Tool Format -- paper-based or computer-based
7. Tips on using the tool
8. Important pitfalls

QI tools by themselves do not lead to improvement. Rather, interventions must be embedded in care processes within a particular care setting. Development of any strategy to improve care must tailor the specific intervention to the people and work processes affected.

QI Clinical Tools Listing

Acute myocardial infarction

• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• ST Elevation

Anticoagulation

• In-Hospital Warfarin Initiation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/Asthma

• COPD Pathway

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

• Community Acquired Pneumonia Pathway and Orderset (Boston Medical Center)
• Community Acquired Pneumonia Admission Orders (Presbyterian Hospital)

Discharge Planning

• Ideal Discharge for the Elderly Patient
• Discharge Patient Education Tool (DPET) 
• Discharge Knowledge Assessment Tool (DKAT) 
• Medication Reconciliation - Admission Form 
• Medication Reconciliation - Discharge Form 
• Heart Failure-Specific Discharge Planning Checklist 

Geriatric Care

• Clinical Toolbox for Geriatric Care

Glycemic Control

• Insulin Subcutanous Orders (Presbyterian Hospital)
• Subcutaneous Insulin Order Set (UCSD Medical Centers)
• Inpatient Diabetic Management Protocol
• Critical Care Unit Insulin Infusion Orders

Heart Failure

• CHF Clinical Pathway
• Cardiac Discharge Instructions
• HF Discharge Pathway
• HF Discharge Orders 

Information Management & Patient Education

• Medication Calendars
  • General Medication Calendar 
  • Around the Clock Medication Calendar 
  • As Needed Medication Calendar

Multidisciplinary Admission History and Physical Assessment

• History and Physical Form

Pre-Operative Evaluation and Perioperative Management

• Betablocker Protocol and Preop Assessment Tool

Sickle Cell Pain Crisis

• Sickle Cell Pain Crisis (Presbyterian Hospital)

Skin and Wound Care

• Pressure Ulcer Protocol Prevention and Treatment

Urinary Infections

• Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotic Protocol and Inpatient Order Set

VTE Prophylaxis

• Adult Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Order Form
• VTE Prophylaxis Carilion Medical Center

Submit A Tool

Please submit your Quality Improvement Tool to share with the Hospital Medicine Community.  Submissions must include a one page cover sheet detailing the information below.  HQPS will review submission and determine if appropriate for inclusion on the website. 

1. Title
2. Purpose
3. Submitting author
4. Institution
5. E-mail contact information
6. Tool Format -- paper-based or computer-based
7. Tips on using the tool
8. Important pitfalls

E-mail submissions to: HQPS@hospitalmedicine.org