What is the primary aim of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)?

The primary aim of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is to establish a systematic process that enhances overall performance within an organization. CQI is rooted in the philosophy that organizations can improve their processes, services, and outcomes by regularly evaluating their operations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing structured changes aimed at boosting efficiency and effectiveness.

This approach goes beyond just enhancing individual performance, as it seeks to improve the quality of care and services provided to all patients by examining the entire healthcare system or processes in place. It involves the participation of all members of a healthcare organization, encouraging collaboration and shared responsibility for improvement.

While patient satisfaction is a critical component of quality care, CQI encompasses broader goals, including reducing waste, improving processes, and achieving better health outcomes. Implementing new technologies can be part of a quality improvement initiative, but it is not the primary aim of CQI itself; rather, it is the ongoing enhancement of overall performance across all facets of healthcare delivery that defines its core mission.