What is a quality improvement project charter?

A quality improvement project charter is a foundational document that outlines the essential elements of a quality improvement project. It serves to clearly define the scope, objectives, and participants involved, which helps guide the project from initiation to completion. The charter acts as a roadmap for the team, ensuring all members understand their roles and the goals of the project.

By explicitly stating the project's aims and boundaries, the charter helps prevent scope creep and keeps the team focused on the intended outcomes. It often includes information such as the problem statement that the project aims to address, specific goals to achieve, expected timelines, and the resources required, including personnel. Properly crafted charters also enhance communication among stakeholders, aligning everyone involved towards a common purpose.

Other options, such as summarizing past projects or conducting financial analyses, do not capture the comprehensive purpose of a charter in quality improvement initiatives. A charter is not intended for employee evaluation either, as that serves a different function related to performance management rather than project management.