Using Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is an exciting management approach that is being introduced in family planning programs around the world. CQI is based on the belief that anybody at any level of the organization can make valuable suggestions about ways to improve operations. Unlike traditional management approaches, which focus on improving only the processes that are not functioning well, CQI assumes that any process within an organization can benefit from some improvement. Because CQI emphasizes a process of constant improvement in operations, it requires long-term organizational commitment and teamwork. Family planning programs that use CQI can raise staff morale, and improve productivity, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

This issue of The Family Planning Manager offers a series of steps and practical suggestions for introducing and maintaining a CQI process. Included with this issue is a supplement called The Manager’s Toolbox for CQI. The supplement contains important tools and techniques that managers can use to implement the CQI cycle.