Monitoring QI Maturity of Public Health Organizations and Systems in Minnesota: Promising Early Findings and Suggested Next Steps

Authors

Kimberly J. Miner Gearin, Minnesota Department of HealthFollow
M. Elizabeth Gyllstrom, Minnesota Department of HealthFollow
Brenda M. Joly, University of Southern MaineFollow
Renee S. Frauendienst, Stearns County Department of Human ServFollow
Julie Myhre, Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health BoardFollow
William Riley, Arizona State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Public health departments and systems are increasing investments in quality improvement. This paper presents methods used to identify a select number of items from a previously validated QI Maturity Tool as the basis for calculating organizational and system-level QI maturity scores that could be followed over time. Findings suggest that the abbreviated tool measures variation in QI maturity across LHDs, and differences in scores among divisions within a state health department. Minnesota has incorporated the abbreviated tool into an annual reporting system for the MN Local Public Health Act, thereby enabling stakeholders to monitor a system median score and distribution of scores every year. Such information will be used by state and local partners to identify opportunities for system-wide improvements.

Recommended Citation

Miner Gearin KJ, Gyllstrom M, Joly BM, Frauendienst RS, Myhre J, Riley W. Monitoring QI Maturity of Public Health Organizations and Systems in Minnesota: Promising Early Findings and Suggested Next Steps. Front Public Health Serv Syst Res 2013; 2(3).
DOI: 10.13023/FPHSSR.0203.03