Developing a continual readiness process improvement plan for hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission

Maintaining continual readiness with Joint Commission requirements is a challenge for healthcare organizations. This project evaluates the use of the DMAIC process to implement a performance improvement plan to attain and maintain continual readiness. The project evaluates the current practices with quality assurance principles and change management to provide an evidenced based approach to continual readiness. The plan denotes the organizational structure, roles, responsibilities and measurement requirements within the DMAIC framework. Methods for determining progress and outcomes are identified. The application of specific examples of quality tools consistent with the phases of the DMAIC process is illustrated. The project provides strategies for organizations to consider for managing change, project implementation, as well as measurement for the successful achievement of continual readiness.