How To

Start a Quality Improvement Project at St. Vincent’s Clinic

Welcome to the St. Vincent’s Clinic Quality Improvement (QI) Project initiation page! At St. Vincent’s, we are dedicated to enhancing patient care through continuous quality improvement and robust research operations. Whether you’re aiming to implement a new clinical practice, enhance patient outcomes, or streamline clinic operations, here’s how you can start your QI project with us.

Step 1: Fill Out the QI Project Proposal Form

Begin by completing the QI Project Proposal Form with detailed information about your project. Include objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and any resources you’ll need.

Quality Improvement Project Submission

Date

Title of the Project

Name of Project Lead

Other Project Members

Phone

UTMB School

Medicine

Nursing

Health professions

Public and Population Health

Graduate and Biomedical Sciences

Is this your DNP Project?

Yes

Do you already have a faculty advisor?

Faculty Advisor Information

Faculty Name

Department

Project Information

Problem Statement

(Describe the issue or problem that the project will address) Background Information: (Provide context and any relevant data or information about the problem) Goals/Objectives: (State the specific goals and objectives of the project) Methods Methodology: (Describe the methods you will use to address the problem)

Data Collection

(Explain how data will be collected and measured) Population/Setting: (Identify the population and setting where the project will be implemented) Intervention

Intervention Plan

Detail the steps of the proposed intervention. Resources Required: (List any resources required, including staff, materials, etc.) Timeline: (Provide a timeline for the implementation of the project)

Evaluation Methods

(Describe how the outcomes of the project will be evaluated)

Expected Outcomes

(Outline what outcomes are expected from the project and how this will change or improve practice at St Vincent’s Clinic)

Potential Challenges

(Identify any potential challenges or limitations of the project)

What is the expected duration of your project?

Expected duration of your project?

Additional Information

Review by the Quality Improvement Committee

Once submitted, your proposal will be reviewed by the Quality Improvement Committee to ensure alignment with St. Vincent’s goals and to verify that it meets QI criteria.

Assignment of a Faculty Member

If you do not already have a faculty advisor, one will be assigned to you. This faculty member will provide guidance, oversight, and support throughout your project.

Creation of a SuperOkay Portal

A dedicated project portal will be set up for you on the SuperOkay platform. You will receive an email with a link to login using your UTMB email. This will be your hub for tracking the project’s implementation process, milestones, and outcomes.

Step 2: Comply with IRB Regulations

Explore a wide range of services tailored to your needs.

QI Projects Exemption

Most QI projects are exempt from full Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, provided they meet the specific criteria for QI activities. All projects must submit an exception form. Your SuperOkay portal will include more information and the committee will guide you on this.

Formal Research Review

Projects that involve more extensive scientific research will require IRB approval. No research operations can begin until you receive either an exemption or approval from the IRB.

Step 3: Conduct Your Project

With your faculty advisor’s support and the resources available through the SuperOkay portal, you can begin implementing your project. Regular updates and findings should be documented within the portal to track progress and outcomes.

Additional

Resources and Support

IRB Approval Process: For more detailed information on the IRB approval process, including necessary forms and guidelines, visit the IRB website

UTMB IRB

Log In to Your

SuperOkay Portal

At St. Vincent’s, we strongly encourage all staff to engage in QI and research projects that contribute to the betterment of patient care and clinic operations. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making a meaningful impact within our community.
Thank you for your commitment to improving patient care at St. Vincent’s Clinic. We look forward to seeing the positive changes your project will bring!