ACCREDITATION
 

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) certified Performance Consultants in the Office of Performance Improvement teach department staff to use this simple, systematic, and evidenced-based methodology to intentionally improve the department's health and business outcomes. By empowering department employees with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to improve their processes and outcomes, DOH is building a culture of continuous performance improvement. Getting Started Before you begin the DOH 5-Step Performance Improvement Process, it is important to put together a cross-functional team that will work through the process.  By working as a team, you will have the benefit of your team members' multiple perspectives, as well as their combined expertise.  Suggestions include members of your leadership team, and others with specific knowledge about issues you are working on (subject matter experts).  In addition, having multiple team members working toward a common goal makes your desired results a more likely outcome. The Steps The following briefly outlines the DOH 5-Step Performance Improvement Process. For in-depth information on how to complete the steps, including helpful resources, click on the hyperlink for each step.
Step 1 - Gather Data	Before beginning activities toward any end goal, it is necessary to gather and review data. Data provides the facts that drive the decision-making process. Gathering data from multiple sources will prepare your team to analyze data (Step 2), help narrow the team's focus, and help further define what you are trying to accomplish.
Step 2 - Analyze Data	Analyzing data from multiple sources reveals the "story behind the numbers," and broadens perspective on any issue. Looking at this "big picture" allows your team to make informed decisions, and is critical in identifying true strengths and opportunities for improvement, and ultimately, in identifying potential priorities to work on.
Step 3 - Identify Priorities	Strategically selecting priorities using data allows an organization to maximize the potential of its human and financial resources, and get the most "bang for the buck."
Step 4 - Create and Implement Plan of Action	Creating and implementing well-designed plans of action, and communicating the goals, objectives, strategies, and activities within an organization creates clarity among staff members, and focuses efforts toward the common aim of impacting the priority.  A well-designed plan of action also allows for easy and consistent monitoring.
Step 5 - Evaluate Plan of Action	It is critical to periodically evaluate the plan of action to determine if performance levels have improved, declined, or remained the same. Systematic evaluation will clarify whether the activities are making their intended impact on the priority, and ultimately, the priority's business or community health outcome.

The DOH 5-Step Performance Improvement Process has been recognized by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the Council of State Governments, Florida's Davis Productivity Awards Program, and the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Have a question? Need help getting started?
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Staff in the Office of Performance Improvement is available to help you!
Contact us to request Technical Assistance (TA).

 
Page Revised 11/2010