To guide the Harford County Health Department in quality and learning initiatives by empowering teams to improve work processes and outcomes. The philosophy of Continuous Quality Improvement, or CQI, is based upon using a team approach to examine and improve work processes using a problem-solving model making organizations more efficient. Employee Empowerment - Extending resources, education and authority to the staff to make decisions that will create extraordinary service to the customer, all the while improving the organization and preserving costs. The Harford County Health Department began using the CQI process in June 1996. To guide the Health Department in the CQI process, a Steering Council was appointed by the Health Officer.
Members represent all levels and divisions of the department.
The staff that have taken the opportunity to be involved with the nine teams to date have been greatly rewarded with acquisition of new skills and personal and professional growth. In addition, departments have been able to work together in new ways, increasing interaction and support for the Harford County Health Department and the CQI process. The Harfod County Health Department Steering Council is comprised of at least one member each from the major departmental divisions. Completed Defining Services and Contracting To set costing codes for services and explore partnerships with managed care organizations. Codes were set for services based upon cost and several memorandums of understanding were produced.