The Multi-state Learning Collaborative Storyboards: Quality Improvement Lessons Learned from 162 Projects

• Main Authors: Leslie M. Beitsch, Anooj Pattnaik, Kusuma Madamala
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Florida 2013-08-01
• Series: Florida Public Health Review
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1153&context=fphr

The Multi-state Learning Collaborative (MLC) brought health departments in 16 states together with public health system partners to prepare for national voluntary accreditation and to implement quality-improvement (QI) practices. Data from each of the MLC participating states were collected through a comprehensive process over three years. An Excel database of several hundred pages was derived, categorized by individual target area, and organized into thematic domains for further study. Available data were culled and compiled for each MLC project and synthesized across MLC target areas. Two-hundred thirty-four health departments participated in 162 mini-collaboratives in nine of ten target areas. Public health QI projects generally made substantial progress toward achievement of stated objectives. Well-developed aim statements were the lynchpins of successful QI projects. Basic QI tools were utilized consistently and proficiently. Application of best and promising practices was limited. There were no appreciable differences in the QI results according to state public health structure, nor were outcomes related to differences in mini-collaborative leadership. Hundreds of health department staff members were introduced to QI tools and the opportunity to apply them immediately to public health problems.