Implementing a Quality Improvement Writing Program to Increase Scholarly Productivity.

Abstract

Background: Quality improvement (QI) is essential in health care systems across the United States. Despite numerous QI projects and methodologies being utilized, the publication and dissemination of these findings are often inadequate. The objective was to develop and implement a QI writing program to enhance the dissemination of ongoing QI projects at a children's hospital.

Methods: A structured 10-session, biweekly QI writing program was implemented, with each session lasting 1 hour. Participants were selected through a nomination process and paired with mentors in a dyadic model. Feedback was systematically collected through evaluation forms and postcohort in-person sessions. Time intervals from program completion to manuscript submission and subsequent publication were tracked to assess program outcomes.

Results: Four cohorts of the QI writing program were conducted, delivering 40 hours of instruction to 13 participants. Feedback was received from 92% (12/13) of participants, with 90% rating their overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend the course as "very positive." Of the participants, 92.3% (12/13) submitted their manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals. Of these, 9 are published, and 3 are under review at the time of this manuscript. The median time for completion of the program to manuscript submission was 46 days.

Conclusion: A QI writing program was successfully implemented to facilitate the dissemination of QI projects. Participants found the course valuable in enhancing their writing skills and supporting successful publication.