Advancing applied research in QI at public health
departments is also needed. In particular, strengthening
the measurement of the QI construct is essential for
meaningfully assessing current practice patterns and
informing future programming and policy decisions.
Grantees from the Public Health Practice–Based Research
Networks and Building the Evidence Base for
Accreditation and QI program contribute to strengthening
the measurement of QI in public health.33,34 In
addition, PHAB measures of QI plans and processes
may also further inform our understanding of
the construct and can serve as accountability measures
for health departments, even as they provide
more objective validation through accreditation site
visits.