Performance Improvement (PI) is the name given to the formal tools and processes Iowa HHS uses to better understand challenges, set goals, develop strategies, evaluate progress, and improve outcomes. Essentially, PI is the intentional and collaborative integration of quality improvement and performance management. For more information about PI, see the Iowa Health and Human Services 2024 Performance Improvement Plan.

Performance Management

Performance management (PM) is the systematic process of using data to make decisions. Data is used to measure, monitor, and communicate progress toward intended outcomes. Quality improvement (QI) tools are used to overcome barriers to progress.

The HHS system is comprised of three key elements:

  1. The Results-Based Accountabilityâ„¢ framework helps teams identify their customers and answer three important questions about their performance:
    • How much did we do?
    • How well did we do it?
    • Is anyone better off?
  2. Collecting, analyzing, and publishing performance data means teams will have the information they need to make good decisions. It also allows interested parties to see and understand a team’s work.
  3. Quarterly PM workshops create the time, space, and process needed for this work. Facilitated intra- and inter-team discussions help teams develop strategies for improvement, identify QI opportunities, and discover areas of collaboration.

View performance measures here.

Quality Improvement

Quality Improvement (QI) at HHS uses the Plan-Do-Check-Act model to make intentional and measurable improvements in our processes and outcomes for our customers. The QI system is comprised of three elements:

  1. The QI Council leads the implementation of the PI plan and guides HHS on its QI efforts. Council members also receive training on facilitation and QI tools to support HHS team members with QI efforts.
  2. QI trainings
  3. QI Adventures

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