Gain a comprehensive, easy-to-understand, and programmed introduction to the theory, practice, and management of performance and quality improvement processes in healthcare organizations of all kinds. Parts I and II are intended for use by allied health students in technical-level programs of all kinds and provide a basic background in performance improvement philosophy and methodology for healthcare practice today. Each chapter has real-life examples and case studies from healthcare settings that bring home the importance of quality in healthcare services. QI toolbox techniques are presented both in theory and in practice so that readers can see how the techniques can actually be used in performance improvement activities. Users will acquire hands-on practice applying the analytical and graphic tools used in performance improvement. Student projects are integrated into the chapter discussions, which range from designing specific improvement projects, to ongoing quality monitoring, to managing quality improvement programs and staff. Students in management-level programs will benefit from Part III, which focuses on the issues inherent in the management of quality and performance improvement programs in healthcare. Each chapter presents the issues and their backgrounds and concludes with a case study to reinforce student learning.