title: Academic quality improvement program: using quality improvement as tool for the accreditation of nursing education.
abstract: In this article, the authors discuss an innovative approach to accreditation in higher education. Using a process known as the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), colleges and universities prepare for accreditation in a process that parallels other continuous quality improvement models. The AQIP moves away from traditional static accreditation processes and requires educational institutions to engage in a continuous effort that mirrors the Plan-Do-Check-Act model used today in many health care organizations. Beginning with a systems portfolio that is based on self-assessment, colleges and universities then use peer feedback to improve system-wide processes that affect their educational outcomes. The article reviews the AQIP model and outlines one college of nursing's experience.
authors.affiliation: West Suburban College of Nursing, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA. carrolls@wscn.edu
authors.forename: V Susan
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Georgianna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Darla
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DeWolff
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D007087:Illinois; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000379:methods*