The Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS) for Critical Appraisal

This meeting abstract documents expert panel deliberations intended to develop a critical appraisal instrument (the Minimum Quality Criteria Set or QI-MQCS) to promote identification, dissemination and implementation of findings from high quality improvement initiative (QII) evaluations. METHODS: We convened a 9 person expert panel to guide QII evidence synthesis methods development through a one year iterative telephone, survey and in-person panel process. We developed and empirically tested electronic search and screening methods for identifying QII publications, and a critical appraisal instrument. Finally, we iteratively tested and improved QI-MQCS psychometric properties based on review of 54 electronically searched and systematically screened QII articles. CONCLUSIONS: The QI-MQCS had acceptable psychometric properties for critical appraisal, and can support systematic review of diverse QII evaluations. It is a ready-to-use critical appraisal tool accompanied by a user manual and empirically tested forms and methods.