An effective quality improvement (QI) program drives sustained improvements in outcomes and processes, which requires a culture that supports and reinforces quality-focused behaviors.
Option A (Rewards behavior that supports quality improvement): This is the correct answer. NAHQ CPHQ study materials emphasize that a successful QI program fosters a culture of quality by recognizing and rewarding staff behaviors that align with improvement goals (e.g., reporting near misses, participating in QI teams). This promotes engagement and sustainability.
Option B (Passes an accreditation survey): Passing an accreditation survey indicates compliance but does not necessarily mean the QI program is effective in driving ongoing improvements. It is a snapshot, not a measure of program success.
Option C (Has a written quality plan approved by the board): A written plan is a structural component, but effectiveness depends on implementation and outcomes, not just the existence of a plan.
Option D (Develops quality improvement teams): Forming QI teams is a step toward improvement, but effectiveness is measured by outcomes, not just team creation.
[Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 4: Performance and Process Improvement, highlights the importance of rewarding behaviors that support a culture of quality for an effective QI program., , , , , ]
