Using the PRISM Model to Drive Quality Improvement in the Emergency Department

In recent years, there has been a push to improve and standardize the quality of clinical care delivered. This has led to marked efforts across institutions to invest in quality improvement (QI) as a part of daily practice. “Problem-solving, Root cause analysis, Improvement Science, and Monitoring” (PRISM) is a model used to detail a stepwise approach to QI in a way that can be easily followed, sustained, and eventually integrated into an organization's learning system. This model is being used to improve the efficiency of our emergency department admissions process. The various tools that are a part of PRISM are discussed in detail here. Frontline team members have been educated about PRISM and are now engaged and leading improvement efforts within our organization. In short, PRISM has provided the common QI language for our transformation toward becoming a leader in patient- and family-centered care.