What is a "performance improvement" project according to the Joint Commission?

A "performance improvement" project, as defined by the Joint Commission, focuses on a systematic approach to enhance quality and safety in healthcare settings. This involves assessing current practices, identifying areas that require growth or change, establishing measurable goals, and implementing strategies to achieve improvement. The emphasis on systematic processes ensures that performance improvement is not ad-hoc but rather based on data and evidence, promoting sustainable enhancements in care delivery and patient outcomes.

This approach is fundamentally about making healthcare safer and more effective, aligning closely with the goals of regulatory bodies like the Joint Commission. By engaging in performance improvement projects, healthcare organizations demonstrate their commitment to continuous quality improvement, which is essential for accreditation and for maintaining high standards of patient care.

Other options, such as focusing on cost-cutting, staff training, or marketing, do not encapsulate the core purpose of a performance improvement project. While they may play a role in an organization’s broader strategy, they do not specifically center on systematic enhancements of quality and safety in the same comprehensive manner as described.