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The UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement (IHQI) requests letters of intent for clinical improvement projects to be conducted Sept 1, 2019 – Aug 31, 2020 as part of the Improvement Scholars Program. Letters of intent are due Nov 7, 2018. Full applications are due Jan 16, 2019.


The UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement (IHQI) requests letters of intent for improvement projects to be conducted Sept 1, 2019 – Aug 31, 2020.

The purpose of this request is to solicit applications from clinical leaders who want to develop clinical improvement skills by participating in the IHQI Improvement Scholars Program.

The purpose of the IHQI Improvement Scholars Program is to develop clinical improvement leaders at UNC School of Medicine and in the UNC Health Care System (UNC HCS).

Application Process

The first step in the application process is to submit a one-page letter of intent outlining the problem and proposed improvement. If your letter of intent meets initial selection criteria, you will be invited to submit a full project proposal.

Click here for more information and to access the application.

Dates

Competitive Letter of Intent Due: Nov 7, 2018

Invitation to Apply : Nov 14, 2018

Proposals Due: Jan 16, 2019

Notification of Awards: Feb 22, 2019

Projects Start: Sep 1, 2019

About Improvement Scholars

The Improvement Scholars Program is a structured, experiential learning program. Improvement Scholars learn clinical improvement leadership by leading a project with guidance and support from experienced clinical improvement leaders.

Improvement Scholars receive training, mentorship, and guidance from IHQI Faculty Coaches as well as half-time support of an IHQI project manager for 12 months. Improvement Scholars present project results at the annual IHQI Improvement Scholars Symposium and are expected to publish results in an academic or professional journal.

Projects are intended to improve clinical care and outcomes for a population of patients by implementing proven and/or expert-recommended strategies and approaches. Proposals to research new interventions for efficacy and/or effectiveness will not be funded.

Projects must align with UNC HCS improvement priorities. Project applicants should discuss project ideas with clinical leads of improvement initiatives prior to submitting a letter of intent.

As a result of participating in the program, Improvement Scholars gain experience with the following:

  • Lean and IHI-QI
  • Teamwork (TeamSTEPPSTM)
  • Partnering with Patients and Families
  • Project Leadership
  • High- and Low-Fidelity Simulation
  • Statistical Process Control
  • Presenting and Publishing Improvement Results

Contact Laura Brown, laura.brown@unchealth.unc.edu for more information.