Process Flow Mapping for Systems Improvement

Lessons Learned

Authors

  • Ralph Renger University of North Dakota
  • Makenzie McPherson University of North Dakota
  • Trista Kontz-Bartels The Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
  • Karin L. Becker University of North Dakota

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.267

Keywords:

continuous quality improvement, feedback mechanisms, process flow mapping, system evaluation

Abstract

This article fills a gap in the evaluation literature by detailing how to conduct process flow mapping: a continuous quality improvement (CQI) method. The importance of process flow mapping and the steps required to complete the method are illustrated in the context of evaluating a cardiac care system. The article discusses several challenges and solutions in conducting process flow mapping, including (a) selecting appropriate subject matter experts, (b) mapping simultaneous processes, (c) terminating mapping, (d) integrating multiple process flow maps, and (e) validating process flow maps. The article concludes by reinforcing the importance for systematically documenting new evaluation methods for dissemination and utility purposes.

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Published

2016-04-21

How to Cite

Renger, R., McPherson, M., Kontz-Bartels, T., & Becker, K. L. (2016). Process Flow Mapping for Systems Improvement: Lessons Learned. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 31(1), 109–121. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.267

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2016): Spring

Section

Research and Practice Notes

License

Copyright (c) 2016 Ralph Renger, Makenzie McPherson, Trista Kontz-Bartels, Karin L. Becker

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