Quality Improvement Basics Training
QI BASICS is a rigorous, project-based course offered by UT Southwestern’s Office of Quality, Safety, and Outcomes Education. Designed for healthcare professionals and teams with no prior QI experience, the program teaches participants to lead effective improvement using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle and essential QI tools and apply them to their real-world projects. Each of the four monthly full-day in-person sessions builds on the previous one, guiding participants step by step through the improvement process. Between sessions, three virtual sessions provide individualized faculty feedback, coaching, and project facilitation. Throughout, participants develop concrete deliverables, including aim statements, process maps, run charts, Driver diagrams, and tests of change, which are immediately applied to their own real-world clinical or operational projects. Participants must attend all classes and complete a quality improvement project concurrent with the course. The course culminates in a final presentation, including a storyboard/poster. No prior experience in quality improvement is required
Who Should Attend
Physicians, nurses, health professionals, staff, educators, administrators, and QI specialists from UT Southwestern, Parkland, Texas Health Resources, Methodist Health, Children’s Health, the Dallas VA, and Texas Scottish Rite for Children. No prior QI experience required.
Learning Objectives
- Design real-world QI initiatives using PDSA cycles and other core methodologies.
- Create project charters, aim statements, and process maps to guide improvement efforts.
- Distinguish QI from traditional research and apply tools like Pareto Charts, SIPOC, Fishbone Diagrams, and Driver Diagrams.
- Publish QI findings using SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines.
- Apply learning through a hands-on QI project culminating in final presentations and a storyboard competition.
Winter 2026 Schedule
In-person sessions will be held in Clements University Hospital Pavilion (01.701 West Campus)
- Jan. 12, 2026 – QI Basics (in-person), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Session 1
- Feb. 9, 2026 – QI Basics (in-person), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Session 2
- Mar. 2, 2026 – QI Basics (virtual), 9-11 a.m., Session 3
- Mar. 9, 2026 – QI Basics (in-person), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Session 4
- Mar. 16, 2026 – QI Basics (virtual), 9-11 a.m., Session 5
- Apr. 13, 2026 – QI Basics (in-person), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Session 6
- Apr. 20, 2026 – QI Basics (virtual), 9-11:00 a.m., Session 7
- May 18, 2026 – Storyboard Walk and Awards Gala, 4-6 p.m.
Credit Information
Continuing Medical Education (Physicians)
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 21.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center certifies that non-physicians will receive an attendance certificate stating that they participated in the activity that was designated for 21.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
Nursing CPD
UT Southwestern Medical Center is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
This activity provides 23.5 contact hour(s).
Registration
Registration fees are waived for the Winter 2026 course.