How HIVQUAL Works

HIVQUAL-US is a capacity building model that is implemented through coaching and mentoring, peer learning, and consumer involvement.

Coaching and Mentoring

Upon enrollment, sites are matched with a quality improvement consultant.  A baseline assessment of the quality management program is conducted to identify areas of strength, opportunities for improvement and prioritize areas of focus.  This assessment serves as the foundation on which the consultation, coaching and mentoring are implemented. The on-site mentoring emphasizes structure, planning and QI projects and can be supplemented by training workshops.  Participants are coached to develop specific skills in measurement, sampling, identifying opportunities for improvement and conducting projects to improve performance. Once these skills are learned, they can easily be applied to measure other indicators and to other programs in the organization.

Peer Learning

HIVQUAL Quality Management (QM) Groups (Regional Groups) are formed to build the capacity of Ryan White funded programs to implement comprehensive quality management programs in their facilities.  Groups promote peer learning and an exchange of best practices among HIV providers committed to Quality Improvement (QI).  The groups convened have access to quality improvement technical expertise provided by HIVQUAL-US through facilitation and coaching and mentoring. 

Involving Patients

Patient involvement opens essential channels of communication between government agencies, program staff, and patients. Cooperation in patient care between providers and patients, local health centers and community-based organizations, promotes collaborative achievement of programmatic goals by determining what works best. HIVQUAL patient engagement tools include: peer education and training; coaching and mentoring on QI/QM concepts and patient self-management; participation in development of patient satisfaction surveys; hiring patients with experience in QI; and establishing a young adults consumer advisory committee.