Quality Improvement

Quality improvement (QI) is a continuous process that evaluates work practices and client care across clinical and educational settings. Audiologists and Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often contribute to QI efforts, and their practice may be shaped by QI initiatives.

Understanding Quality Improvement

Why does QI matter?

Audiologists and SLPs are expected to provide high-quality care that meets the standards of consumers, employers, insurance companies, and policymakers. ASHA’s Code of Ethics supports this by stating that individuals are expected to use all available resources—including referrals and/or interprofessional collaboration when appropriate—to ensure that quality service is provided.

Measuring and improving quality helps Audiologists and SLPs

improve patient outcomes and safety,
improve the care experience for patients and their care partners,
lower health care costs,
keep services consistent, and
meet requirements from insurance companies, regulators, and accrediting bodies (Mate et al., 2020; Mormer & Stevans, 2019).

How is quality measured?

According to De Rosis, 2024, quality is typically assessed by examining three main areas:

Structure (setting and resources)

the physical environment
tools and equipment
staff training and qualifications
staffing levels
record management

Process (care delivery)

the steps taken during evaluation and treatment—what’s done, how it's done, and when it's done

Outcomes (results of care)

patient outcomes
patient safety
patient satisfaction

When is quality measured?

QI systems track information at different stages in care:

before care starts
during care
after care ends

These QI systems range from simple tools (like checklists) to more complex ones (like data dashboards) that help teams catch problems early and improve care.

Where does QI happen?

Audiologists and SLPs take part in QI activities across many settings:

schools
clinics
university speech and hearing centers
private practice
health care facilities (e.g., hospitals, rehab centers, and skilled nursing facilities)

Organizations like insurance companies, accrediting bodies, and professional associations—along with clients—expect clear documentation that the facility is delivering high-quality care.