Model for Improvement and PDSA cycle

QI ideas, template and an example of a PDSA involving the Heart Health Check

The Model for Improvement is a practical framework that allows ideas to be broken down into manageable steps. It is a tool for developing, testing and implementing change and consists of two parts that are equally important.

Step 1: The ‘thinking’ part comprises three fundamental questions that are essential for guiding your improvement work.

Step 2: The ‘doing/testing’ part is a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle. It will help you implement and test change.

The model asks three fundamental questions:

1. What are we trying to accomplish?
2. How will we know that a change is an improvement?
3. What change can we make that will result in improvement?

Your team may wish to use this model to integrate the Heart Health Check into your quality improvement (QI) process.

QI ideas for the Heart Health Check

Idea 1: Encourage patients to talk about their CVD risk factors with their GP.

• Display promotional material such a Heart Health Check poster and video animation in the waiting room and other consumer information such as a brochure

• Use social media to encourage patient engagement  

• Use related campaigns to promote Heart Health Checks e.g. run a health promotion clinic during Heart Week

Idea 2:  Develop and maintain an effective recall and reminder system for the Heart Health Check.

• Ensure the recall and reminder systems are up to date

• Identify and address gaps in staff knowledge about how to identify eligible patients  

• Enlist the help of your Primary Health Network (PHN) QI officer for support

Idea 3: Appoint a change champion who will lead the team to implement the Heart Health Check.

• Identify and address gaps in staff knowledge about the Heart Health Check

• Have a team meeting to brainstorm how to better embed Heart Health Checks into your practice

• Draft written procedures for your new QI processes  

Templates for download

Model for improvement – blank template (fillable PDF)

Model for Improvement – completed example (PDF)

More information

In this Toolkit:

• Engaging your patients with posters, brochures, animations

• Promoting the Heart Health Check in your practice (checklist)

• Identifying and recalling eligible patients

• Practice team roles and responsibilities

Other resouces:

• A benchmark for quality care and risk management in Australian general practices (Standards for General Practice – 5th Edition, RACGP)

• Learn more about the model. How to Improve: Model for Improvement

• Contact your local PHN

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QI incentives and the Heart Health Check

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