Mobile Logo in White

The Way Forward: An Introduction to Improvement Science

June 14, 2010

Featured Presenters:

Jack Needleman, PhD, FAAN, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Public Health, Department of Health Services

Kathleen R. Stevens, EdD, RN, ANEF, FAAN,
Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice,
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio

The Improvement Science Research Network (ISRN) web seminar series explores issues in the field of improvement science, provides updates regarding ISRN activities, introduces new tools and research paradigms, and solicits input regarding new directions for research. Participants represent a diverse population of health care quality improvement professionals, researchers, and academics, all of whom are committed to developing evidence-based quality improvement in their own institutions and to working with colleagues to develop rigorous multi-site research initiatives.

The first session of our web seminar series introduced the field of improvement science and showcased the activities of the ISRN as a catalyst for change. This 60-minute event defined improvement science, exploring the overlapping paradigms of improvement science, translational science, and implementation science and explaining the need and context for improvement science research. Furthermore, it enumerated the many challenges facing improvement science and health care improvement in general, including a lack of evidence-based research methodologies; limited institutional access to national improvement science experts; a need for on-site training in research methodologies; and the absence of a collegial and technological infrastructure to support a national agenda for improvement science research priorities. Finally, the event showcased the solutions available to meet these challenges, including the ISRN.

Event Materials & Downloads

Download Event Audio (mp3, 6.3mb)

Download Event Transcript (PDF)

Download Event Slides (PDF)