Whether your organization is just getting started, or has been doing quality management for some time, it is always a good idea to assess current activities to determine your next steps or to identify gaps. You may want to ask your staff to participate to determine the level of understanding throughout the organization. Understanding your current status, and the program’s strengths and weaknesses around quality management is a good place to start. Here are some questions that will help in your self-assessment.

Does your HIV program have an organizational structure to assess and improve quality of care?

If so, describe this structure, including key leaders in the organization who support the structure.

Do all providers and staff in your program have a basic understanding of continuous quality improvement tools and techniques?

Do all providers and staff in your program understand their roles and responsibilities regarding quality improvement activities?

Do you routinely and systematically collect and analyze data to assess quality of care?

If yes, what areas for improvement has your program identified within the last year?

Do you have resources dedicated to quality management activities? Describe these resources.

Have you identified barriers to fully implement a quality management program?

If yes, do you need technical assistance to overcome those barriers?

This self-assessment tool and the nine-step model which follows will help you get started, or identify areas within your existing program that you should focus on.