Step 1:

See the big picture

Key Point

Don't reinvent the wheel! Find out what others are doing first.

• Use the Project Checklist and the Project Evaluation Worksheet to ensure that you have set up your project for success.

• Identify how your problem impacts the triple aim — cost, quality, and service.

• Research best practice literature — what are others doing that works?

• Determine if there are policies that address the issue you want to tackle or teams that are already working on this issue at your site or elsewhere in the system.

  • What can you build upon?

  • What are possible landmines or barriers?

  • Reach out to your local quality department to understand how their work connects to yours.

• If you are working on a patient satisfaction initiative, check first to make sure you are focused around UPMC's patient satisfaction drivers.

• Talk to local leadership about their level of support for change. Ensure that:

  • They actively support your project and will provide needed resources.

  • It fits into departmental and systemwide goals.

• Do you need help with this step? Drop us an email at QualityQuestions@upmc.edu and Wolff Center staff will be happy to help you.

Step 1: Editable Tools

• Project Checklist
• Project Evaluation Worksheet