Explain the concept of continuous quality improvement (CQI).

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) is fundamentally centered on the idea of ongoing efforts aimed at systematically enhancing quality in an organization. This concept emphasizes that improvement is not simply a one-time initiative but rather a perpetual process that involves regularly analyzing and enhancing services, operations, and outcomes.

CQI actively encourages organizations to assess their practices continuously and implement incremental changes to improve performance consistently. This iterative approach allows for the adaptation and refinement of processes based on real-time feedback and data, resulting in a culture focused on quality enhancement over time. The ongoing nature of CQI involves setting measurable goals, collecting data, assessing performance, and making data-driven decisions to optimize results.

In contrast, other options mention strategies or assessments that either imply a temporary or singular focus—such as one-time evaluations or singular training methods. These approaches do not encapsulate the essence of continuous quality improvement, which is about fostering a sustained commitment to quality across all aspects of service delivery within healthcare organizations.