| Knowledge Base, Method, Tool, or Skill | Description of Knowledge Base, Skill, Method, Tool |
| Driver Diagram | A diagram that organizes the theory of improvement for a project and thus provides a learning structure for the project. The structure connects Aim, measures and creates a theory-based organization of the changes |
| PDSA Cycle | A structure for learning and improvement. One of the components of the Model for Improvement. The four steps in the cycle are: Plan, Do, Study, Act. It is also known as the Deming cycle, Shewhart cycle, and the PDCA cycle. |
| Use of Data | Use of data for learning, e.g. identifying information in the patterns of variation in data and using this to guide actions for improvement. Includes understanding the value of plotting data over time, the pitfalls of viewing before/after data and an understanding of common sources of bias. Also, understanding the differences between purpose of data used for improvement, accountability and research |
| Developing Changes | Aiding others to develop more powerful changes than those previously tried. Includes diving deeply into an understanding of process and systems, using creative thinking techniques (e.g. change concepts, concept triangle, provocations) and making use of new or existing technology. |
| Testing Changes | Putting a change into effect on a temporary basis using the PDSA cycle. Trying change, typically on a small scale first, then using multiple PDSA cycles increasing size, scope, and conditions under which change is tested to improve confidence, staff readiness and reduce cost of failure prior to implementation. Principles of experimental design are incorporated into test designs |
| Conducting Meetings | Includes understanding how to structure team meetings so they are more effective and efficient. Includes knowledge related to clarifying roles and responsibilities of team members, team leader, facilitator, technical consultant and management sponsor, clarifying agenda items, timeframes, expected outcomes, decision making methods, meeting documentation and physical environment for the meeting. |
| Group Dynamics | Improving team functioning through understanding of how individuals behave when in a group. Includes understanding of the need for clarity of purpose (charter), clarity of behavioural expectations (norms), typical stages of group development, use of discussion and of dialogue, avoidance of “group think” and methods for evaluating, monitoring and improving group interaction in meetings. |
| Creativity Methods | A collection of techniques for tapping into the unconscious mind for new ideas that lead to different ways of attacking a problem or accomplishing a task. Also, called lateral thinking methods. Methods include six thinking hats, provocations, random word, and concept triangle. |
| Run Chart | A graphical record of a measure plotted over time. May include median line and/or a goal line. |
| Statistical Process Control (SPC) Chart | A method used to distinguish between variation in a process due to common causes and variation due to special causes. It is constructed by obtaining measurements of some characteristic of a process, summarizing with an appropriate statistic, and grouping the data by time period, location, or other process descriptive variables. There are many different types of control charts, depending on the statistic analysed on the chart. |
| Designing Tests of Change | Designing studies (before-and-after, simultaneous comparisons, planned grouping) to determine the effect of a specific change to a process. Use the principles for testing a change to understand the effect of the change. |