A rapid cycle improvement team has met for six months. The team set a clear aim, gathered data, and identified barriers, but has not conducted any tests of change. Team members are also not completing assignments.
Which of the following tools should be used to get the team back on track?
Correct Answer: A
A Gantt chart (Answer A) is a project management tool that provides a visual timeline of tasks, deadlines, and milestones. It is especially useful for getting a team back on track by clearly outlining what needs to be done, when, and by whom. In the context of a rapid cycle improvement team that has stalled, a Gantt chart can help refocus the team's efforts, ensure accountability, and track progress towards completing assignments and conducting tests of change. The other tools are valuable but serve different purposes:
Ishikawa diagram (B), also known as a fishbone diagram, is used to identify the root causes of a problem.
Spaghetti diagram (C) is used to map out the physical movement in a process to identify inefficiencies.
Value stream map (D) is used to analyze the flow of materials and information through a process, focusing on value creation.
Reference: National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) - Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) Study Materials.
Project Management Tools in Quality Improvement, NAHQ Documentation.