Resources & Tools

Quality improvement (QI) in public health is the use of a deliberate and defined improvement process, such as Plan-Do-Check-Act, which is focused on activities that are responsive to community needs and improving population health. It is essential for health departments to use QI tools to fulfill their missions, apply for accreditation, improve the health of their communities, and become more efficient and effective. To support these efforts, the Public Health Foundation (PHF) developed and published the Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia.

In this resource, PHF Senior Quality Advisor John W. Moran and co-author Grace L. Duffy define the purpose of each tool and provide guidance on when and how they should be used. They also explain what should be done after implementing each tool and provide examples specific to public health settings. This encyclopedia includes basic and advanced QI tools—many that aren’t available elsewhere in print including:

• Continuum of Quality
• Five Whys
• Gantt Chart
• Purpose Principle
• Stakeholder Analysis
• SWOT Analysis

Order the Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia today from PHF’s Online Store. 

The Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia is also available as a mobile app​. Find it on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store!​

These QI tools are regularly incorporated into PHF’s on-site and remote technical assistance and training in QI, performance management, and workforce development. To learn more, contact Ron Bialek at rbialek@phf.org or fill out our inquiry form!

Need Technical Assistance or Training?

PHF offers a wide range of technical assistance (TA) and training services and customizes its approach to meet your needs. Learn more about PHF’s Performance Improvement Consulting Services.