Strategies for Developing and Recognizing Faculty Working in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Medical Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Academic clinical departments face increasing pressure to deliver high-value care and improve patient safety.
• Developing academic programs alongside quality improvement initiatives complicates decision-making and change management.
• A significant gap exists in faculty expertise and experience in quality improvement and patient safety (QI/PS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a proactive strategy to develop faculty expertise in QI/PS within academic departments.
• To propose a framework for integrating QI/PS into the strategic priorities of academic health systems.
• To emphasize the need for enhanced training, resources, and recognition for QI/PS work.

Main Methods:

• The article proposes a strategic approach for faculty development in QI/PS.
• It outlines the need for identifying QI/PS as a departmental priority.
• It suggests creating enabling resources and expanding rigorous training programs in change management and improvement sciences.

Main Results:

• The proposed strategy aims to build a robust QI/PS workforce within academic settings.
• It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between departments, health systems, and professional organizations.
• Recognition through awards and promotions is highlighted as a key motivator for faculty engagement.

Conclusions:

• Academic departments require a comprehensive approach to support and recognize faculty contributions in QI/PS.
• Developing QI/PS expertise is essential for meeting the demands of modern healthcare.
• Integrating QI/PS into faculty development and promotion pathways is critical for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety.