As part of implementing projects to correct or improve specific aspects, two approaches can be distinguished: research and quality improvement (QI). The first approach is the most traditional for literature and areas closely related to scientific theoretical research. These projects are often asked a specific question, a hypothesis is put forward, which must either be proven or refuted (Al-Surimi, 2018). Thus, in the course of such work, new knowledge is generated, which can later be used for different purposes. In addition, research projects often take a particular form and are structured in such a way as not only to solve the problem posed but also to be published in academic journals.
On the other hand, QI projects are not focused on developing theories but on concrete actions. The main driver of this project is the data that must be applied to achieve sustainable improvement in a situation, process, or system (Al-Surimi, 2018). At the same time, new knowledge is not generated since empirical information is collected through repeated cycles, which clearly demonstrates weaknesses and strengths. The hypothesis, in this case, is flexible and can change in the course of work. Finally, despite the more practical nature of QI projects, they also can be considered scientific. However, they do not require the approval of a special commission, and their results are usually not generalized.
Thus, both of these approaches have several similar parameters, but they are entirely different in their functioning methods. The research project focuses on generating knowledge, while QI collects and uses the available data. The design and form of the first type are usually strictly fixed throughout the study. In contrast, in the study’s quality improvement process, the course of development may change (“Quality improvement vs research,” n.d.). In addition, QI projects tend to proceed much faster due to the need to put the developments into practice, which also justifies the close relationship with specific final processes. Data processing methods also differ: statistical processing in the case of research studies and comparative methods in the case of QI methods. Since both approaches are scientific and can be used to solve problematic issues, they partially overlap. However, it is necessary to distinguish between these methodologies due to the significant difference in their goals and results.
References
Al-Surimi, K. (2018). Research versus quality improvement in healthcare.Global Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, 1(2), 25-27. Web.
Quality improvement vs research. (n.d.). Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Web.