Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

According to continuous quality improvement standards, what is the first step educators should take?

1. What programs should be implemented to improve outcomes?

2. How will we measure the effectiveness of changes?

3. What resources are needed for changes?

4. What are we trying to accomplish?

The correct answer is: What are we trying to accomplish?

The first step in continuous quality improvement (CQI) standards is to clearly define what the organization is trying to accomplish. This foundational step involves setting specific and measurable goals that reflect the desired outcomes of the improvement efforts. By establishing clear objectives, educators can align their strategies and ensure that their interventions are purposeful and targeted towards achieving those outcomes. Identifying what is to be accomplished lays the groundwork for successful implementation of further steps in the CQI process. It helps in prioritizing actions, resources, and planning measurement strategies that will evaluate the effectiveness of the changes. Without a defined aim, it becomes challenging to assess progress or determine whether the implemented strategies are having the intended impact. Thus, delineating the objectives is a critical first step that informs the subsequent actions, including identifying necessary resources, implementing programs, and establishing metrics for evaluating effectiveness.