What does continuous quality improvement (CQI) in triage practice involve?

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) in triage practice involves ongoing monitoring and evaluation of triage processes to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. This approach aims to systematically assess all aspects of the triage system, including response times, accuracy of triage assignments, resource utilization, and outcomes. The goal is to identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and measure their impact over time. This iterative process ensures that triage practices adapt to the evolving dynamics of healthcare needs and technologies, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient use of resources.

While evaluating staff performance, focusing on patient satisfaction surveys, and establishing new triage protocols are important components of healthcare quality, they do not encompass the comprehensive, systematic approach inherent to CQI. Continuous quality improvement engages all stakeholders in a collaborative effort to refine and optimize the entire triage process, resulting in sustained enhancements in quality care.