ECNI-2.5 – The Model for Improvement: Aims and Measures

The Model for Improvement

Once we know broadly what the problem is and we have understood what really happens, we have a better idea about what it is we want to improve and can start to describe our aim. This is important, because it helps ensure we stay on track and focused, helps others understand what we are trying to do, and helps us identify what our measure of success might be.

It’s not always as easy as it sounds though!

Tips for creating a great aim

Make sure your aim includes:

  • WHAT you are improving
  • HOW much you want to improve it by
  • WHERE you are starting from
  • WHEN you are aiming to see the improvement by
SMART Tool Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound

Use SMART criteria to make sure your aim is:

S = specific: state exactly what you want to achieve
M = measurable (how much, compared to what)
A = achievable (something you are able to act on)
R = relevant (to you, your patients, your organization)
T = timebound: when you will achieve it by

Watch the clips below for more tips on developing your aim and making it SMARTer

NHS Scotland: Quality Improvement Developing Aims (2:09)

Elizabeth’s aim – What else does she need to know?

Elizabeth’s aim – To reduce medicines management errors on the ward over a six month period.

  • She considers what else she need to find out so she can make her aim more specific
  • She thinks about how she would know if people were following procedure in regard to medicines management
  • She decides what she might need to measure to see if she is achieving her goal
  • Then she will come up with some ideas to get started

How will we know that change is an improvement?

Once we have our aim, we can think about the next questions in the Model for Improvement:

  • How will I know a change is an improvement?
  • What changes can I make?

Tip: Remember the second question on the Model for Improvement is “How will we know a change is an improvement?” It is important to know how things are before you start, so you have something to compare with that will tell you whether your changes are working or not.

Measuring for Improvement

Elizabeth works out what to measure

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