Tools

There are a range of quality improvement tools which will help with your project.

The tools are tried and tested and different tools will help you at different stages of your project.

They will help you to:

  • Identify what your quality improvement issue is
  • Understand the problem
  • Develop a clear strategy
  • Test your idea
  • Implement your idea
  • Maintain the momentum
  • Measure the difference your project improvement project has made.

QI toolkit

Some of the main QI tools are here in our QI digital toolkit booklet. Please take a look (use the arrows at the bottom to turn the pages). We also have our QI bitesize animations on this page to help you. In addition there is our tools library below.

Tool library

Our tool library contains videos, downloadable templates and a short description of some of the quality improvement tools.

15 seconds 30 minutes

15 seconds 30 minutes logo

15 seconds 30 minutes (15s30m) aims to help anyone identify how they could spend a few extra seconds on a task now which will save someone else 30 minutes or more later on.

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A3 project summary

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

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Brainstorming

QI Brainstorming

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

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Developing a business case template

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

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Driver diagrams

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

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Fishbone diagrams

Fishbone diagram template

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.

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Flashes of brilliance

For your quick wins and smaller improvements, please use this template to tell the story. Share your success and be proud of the improvements you make. Help and inspire others too.

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Getting started

Getting started image

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

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Illustrated introduction to QI

QI virtual training sessions

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.

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Logic model

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

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Model for Improvement

Model for improvement

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

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Pareto

Pareto chart

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.

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Plan your project

Project plan template image

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

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Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles

PDSA tool QI

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

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Portal diagrams

sustainability model

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.

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Prioritisation matrix

Prioritisation matrix template image

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

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Process mapping

Process mapping image

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

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Project idea brief

project idea template

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

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Purpose Audience Message (PAM) template

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

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QI toolkit

QI digital toolkit book

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

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Run charts

Variation and run charts

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.

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Sketchnoting

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

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SMART aims

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.

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Spread and adoption template

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

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Stakeholders

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

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Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts

Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts

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.

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Sustainability model

QI Sustainability model

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

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Value proposition

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

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