title: Developing a taxonomy for the science of improvement in public health.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quality improvement (QI) methods have been used for almost a decade in public health departments to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Although results are rapidly accumulating, the evidence for the science of improvement is shallow and limited. To advance the use and effectiveness of QI in public health, it is important to develop a science of improvement using practice-based research to build an evidence base for QI projects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This purpose of this study is to advance the science of improvement in public health departments with 3 objectives: (1) establish a taxonomy of QI projects in public health, (2) categorize QI projects undertaken in health departments using the taxonomy, and (3) create an opportunity modes and effects analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a qualitative analysis of archival data from 2 separate large databases consisting of 51 QI projects undertaken in public health departments over the last 5 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involves 2 separate QI collaboratives. One includes Minnesota health departments; the other is a national collaborative.
  
  
  METHODS
  We propose a standardized case definition, common metrics, and a taxonomy of QI projects to begin building the evidence base for QI in public health and to advance the science of continuous quality improvement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All projects created an aim statement and used metrics while 53% used a specific QI model with an average of 3.25 QI techniques per project. Approximately 40% of the projects incorporated a process control methodology, and 60% of the projects identified the process from beginning to end, while 11 of 12 PHAB (Public Health Accreditation Board) domains were included.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide a baseline for QI taxonomy to operationalize a science of improvement for public health departments.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA. riley001@umn.edu
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lownik
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Halverson
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Parrotta
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Godsall
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gyllstrom
authors.forename: Kimberly J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Gearin
authors.forename: Glen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mays
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota; D015980:Public Health Practice / Q000592:standards*; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000145:classification* / Q000458:organization & administration