The 2010 ASTHO Profile suggests that both the practice
and research of PM and QI in state and territorial
health agencies need continued development. From a
practice standpoint, only 5 respondents reported 10
or more QI projects during the past year. Less than
half of respondents tested the effects of an intervention
and/or analyzed results of a test. Education and training
on frameworks beyond PDCA/PDSA is needed.
Targeting 100% of respondents to set measurable objectives,
obtain baseline data, map a process, and identify
root causes of a problem may be worthwhile practical
goals for state health agencies. If these goals were to
be achieved, then increasing activities that support or
encourage staff involvement such as providing QI
training, establishing employee recognition for QI
work, incorporating QI participation as part of employee