ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how to apply the tools in order to derive the most benefit from tools for quality improvement. Some of the tools for quality improvement are more effective when applied by a work team rather than an individual. Brainstorming, for example, is a tool that can be used by one person, but when a team uses brainstorming, the results are dramatically increased. In fact, many of the tools are designed to capture the collective thoughts of several people. The tools for quality improvement help work teams utilize their combined experience and intelligence to go beyond what would be accomplished by one person working alone. Solving problems related to quality is probably the most common application of the tools for quality improvement. The tools’ potential to reduce or eliminate quality problems is increased when problems are addressed systematically, using a consistent and analytic approach. Consistency in approach implies that the methodology shouldn’t change just because the problem changes.
