QI goes viral: South Carolina's new STD patient management fast track

Improving the public's health begins with creating a quick and efficient way for people to receive the assistance they need. In a sexually transmitted disease clinic, patients prefer to choose if they need testing only or a full appointment; testing only is known as the Fast Track. Through a partnership with the Public Health Foundation, South Carolina hosted a Quality Improvement (QI) training to teach staff how to change their current model to offer two service tracks, which would increase patient satisfaction, reduce clinic wait times, improve staff morale, and manage budget cuts. Results from pilot tests showed promising results: improved clinic efficiency and additional capacity to serve patients. Other employees also wanted to reap benefits and QI is now expanding into individuals' daily work habits which make all operations more efficient and effective.

Demonstration of QI projects, both programmatic and administrative, are required for public health accreditation. This is a programmatic project; of which there are fewer examples in the public domain.

This presentation will cover project goals, results, outcomes, and the role that QI played. It captures valuable lessons learned about how to dissuade naysayers and how to change state policy. Additionally it will explain how one QI project has led to a culture shift. Presentation attendees will be able to describe the QI process, the role it plays in accreditation, and how to implement change. Applying QI is a public health best practice; attendees will be able to see parallels to their own situation and learn from this example.