1. You are part of an interprofessional team that is working

on a quality improvement project to reduce hospitalacquired infections in your unit. You have collected

baseline data on the infection rates and identified some

gaps in the current practices. What is the next step in the

design phase of your project?

a) Implement the changes and monitor the outcomes

b) Develop a clear aim statement and SMART objectives

c) Conduct a root cause analysis and prioritize the causes

d) Identify the stakeholders and their roles and

responsibilities

*Answer: b) Develop a clear aim statement and SMART

objectives*

Rationale: A clear aim statement and SMART objectives

are essential for defining the scope, direction, and expected

outcomes of a quality improvement project. They also help

to align the team members and stakeholders on a common

vision and goal. Implementing changes, conducting root

cause analysis, and identifying stakeholders are important

steps, but they come after developing the aim and

objectives.

2. As part of your quality improvement project, you have

decided to use the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle as a

framework for testing and implementing changes. You

have planned a small-scale test of change involving a new

hand hygiene protocol in one ward. What should you do

before conducting the test?

a) Communicate the plan to the staff and patients involved