Tools

Start filling this in when you first begin your quality improvement project.

To generate lots of new ideas try a brainstorming session. This is a group creative technique to gather a list of ideas.

Use this template if you are planning to make a business case, for an innovation. Download our business case template

This is a tool which can help you plan your quality improvement project activities.

A fishbone diagram, also called a cause and effect diagram, or an Ishikawa diagram, is a visualization tool for categorizing the potential causes of a problem, in order to identify its root causes. The design of the diagram looks like a skeleton of a fish, hence the name.

Please watch our short animation which will help you get started with your QI project.

Here is our illustrated introduction to quality improvement (QI) The drawings were created as part of our first QI conference, held in July 2019. The booklet explains some of the concepts of improvement work.

Logic models are structured graphics to capture the theory of how a project will produce its outcomes and benefits. They reflect the relationship between input needed, activity undertaken, outputs delivered and the resulting outcomes. They are a key part of the evaluation process. Logic models should be produced through co-design. Download our template

Watch our short animation to find out what the Model for Improvement is and how it can help you with your project.

A Pareto chart is a type of chart which contains both bars and a line graph. It displays categories of data in descending order. A Pareto chart will highlight the most important among a set of factors.

Use our project plan templates for your project. There is a full version and a short version.

You can use PDSA cycles to test an idea, by trialling a change on a small scale and assessing its impact.

A portal diagram can help you visualise room for improvement in your process. Download a portal diagram template here to help with your QI project.

Use this prioritisation matrix template to help with your quality improvement project.

Process mapping allows you to create a visual picture of how something currently works, capturing every step.

A project idea template to help you when you start a quality improvement project.

This template will help you when you are trying to define your purpose, audience and message. Download our template

Find some of the main QI tools in our digital toolkit booklet. Use the arrows at the bottom to turn the pages.

Run chart is a line graph of data plotted over time. It will help you find trends and patterns. It is a simple way to help analyse information.

Watch our series of clips to discover how to do sketchnoting.

SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound – and SMART aims can be used to provide a structured approach to developing and designing a work plan.

This template will help you to summarise the main spread and adoption principles for your innovation project. When reviewing innovations to see if they are applicable in your area, you may want to use the following table to consider feasibility of spread and adoption of the innovation. Download our template

Involving stakeholders in your project means speaking with all those whose interests should be taken into account.

A Statistical Process Control (SPC) chart helps to see what is different to the norm. It charts changes over time and shows data plotted in time order.

This diagnostic tool helps to identify strengths and weaknesses in implementation plans.

A value proposition communicates the product or service benefit that you will deliver through your product or project.