Prehospital Emergency Care Secrets—Quality Improvement and Research

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What is the difference between quality assurance and quality improvement ?

Sometimes used synonymously, the terms quality assurance (QA) and quality improvement (QI) refer to distinct processes with different goals. The goal of QA is to monitor and measure compliance against a standard. In this way, QA is a reactive process that detects errors after they have occurred. On the other hand, the goal of QI is to improve systems. QA is a proactive process that seeks to improve performance or prevent errors from occurring.

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What is the difference between QI and research?

While QI and research both rely heavily on measurement, the goals and requirements differ. QI aims to improve a process toward a known standard of care. Meanwhile, research seeks to answer a question, often by testing a hypothesis, and enhance knowledge. The approach to data collection also differs. QI uses rapid cycles of testing to generate learning and create sustained improvement. Research relies on larger sample sizes and longer periods of observation.

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