Continuous Quality Improvement
The Center helps Court Improvement Programs (CIPs) build capacity to use a continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach to improve systems. CQI is a way to figure out if what we are doing works and where adjustments may be necessary. CQI can be viewed as a tool that can help you understand if you are achieving the desired results. It is an ongoing process with the aim of judiciously using resources.
Current Efforts
Most CIPs have had some background education about the concepts in CQI. The Center is focused on supporting CIPs further integrating CQI into projects and systemic practices.
Specific efforts in this area include:
- Developing publications on CQI concepts (e.g., data, study methodologies)
- Developing publications on applying CQI to specific topics
- Developing short, user-friendly learning modules to support CQI implementation
- Convening constituency groups to support peer-to-peer learning
- Holding workshops focused on enhancing CIPs ability to apply CQI directly on a given topic
- Convening workgroups (e.g., quality representation) to assist in creation of universal CQI products
The CQI Quick Sheet series is meant to assist Court Improvement Programs plan for evaluating an area of focus. It includes some specific questions to ask, as well as some useful tips on methodologies to help achieve goals to improve in this area.