Which step follows discovering a problem in the performance-improvement sequence?

• A. Plan a strategy using indicators
• B. Implement a change
• C. Assess the change
• D. Plan a new strategy if outcomes are not met

Answer: (A)

When you spot a performance problem, you first need a plan that defines how you’ll address it and how you’ll know if you’ve succeeded. Planning a strategy with indicators means choosing specific, measurable metrics and the actions you’ll take to influence them. This sets a clear path and provides a way to monitor progress from the outset, so you’re not acting in the dark.

Once this plan is in place, you move on to implementing the change, then you assess the results against the indicators you defined. If outcomes aren’t met, you adjust by planning a new strategy. For example, if wait times are the issue, you’d establish indicators like average wait time, target wait times, and patient throughput, and build your intervention around shifting those metrics.