Performance Management & Quality Improvement

The Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Public Health is a nationally-accredited public health department, and as such meets national standards for performance management and quality improvement of public health programs.  

Performance management is the practice of using performance data (using time-framed performance measures) to drive work. A well-functioning performance management system identifies whether goals are being met and whether specific improvements can be made. It allows users to better realize, understand, and highlight accomplishments. It also is synonymous with quality improvement work in that it assists practitioners to identify the most pressing areas to improve. 

Quality Improvement uses deliberate and defined methods, such as Plan-Do-Study-Act and Lean Six Sigma, to continuously improve processes and services. In public health, the use of quality improvement methods helps health departments advance equity and improve community health through the ongoing achievement of measurable improvements. (Reference: Public Health Foundation)