United Network for Organ Sharing is set to launch a new quality and performance improvement (QAPI) initiative in 2022, focused on coaching through individual member support.
Currently in its pilot phase, Individual Member Focused Improvement (IMFI) will offer Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network member organizations the opportunity to develop customized projects to meet specific goals and improve donation and transplant. A core team of UNOS staff who regularly work with members to support quality and performance will manage the IMFI project portfolio.
The IMFI initiative is entering its final year of a three-year discovery and design phase. The first of three pilots concluded in summer of 2021.
First IMFI pilot focused on kidney waitlist management
The first pilot participant, a kidney transplant program, had a broad goal to increase access to kidney transplant among their patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). With that overall aim in mind, the IMFI project team worked with the member to identify three focused and achievable goals:
- Improving kidney waitlist management
- Making referral processes more efficient
- Increasing deceased donor offer acceptances
To support the member in reaching their goals, the UNOS IMFI project team trained hospital staff on the kidney waitlist management tool and other relevant data reports. The member also received extensive QAPI support tailored to their program’s specific needs.
Because IMFI is an individually focused approach to improvement, every member’s project will involve a unique goal or goals. This pilot participant’s project and the support they received is not indicative of what every member organization will experience if they participate in future IMFI projects.
Additional pilot projects underway before 2022 launch
Two other pilot projects currently in process involve different goals and improvement journeys customized for the member organizations’ unique needs. The health and safety of program participants is our top priority during COVID-19, and all work will be conducted virtually. The IMFI project team are continuing to test the customized QAPI services they can offer members, and determining the IMFI team’s organizational capacity.
UNOS aims to launch the initiative to the entire OPTN member community in spring of 2022. More details will be shared on this website as they become available.
What can my member organization expect from an IMFI engagement?
You can expect:
- A project plan designed around your organization’s specific improvement goal.
- Direct and open collaboration with the IMFI project team, which includes both UNOS staff and peers in the transplant community.
- A customized engagement. Each IMFI project is unique and will be designed in collaboration with the individual program.
The scope of each project will be tailored to each member organization, and the services provided will vary according to need.
In order to participate in an IMFI engagement, your member program or organization must commit to and sign a mutually agreed upon project charter.
I’m a member. How can I learn more about IMFI?
OPTN members must go through an intake process in order to assess and develop the scope of their project.
Currently, members interested in finding out more about IMFI can contact us at [email protected]. The IMFI team will then share more details about how to start an improvement journey with UNOS.
UNOS is an improvement partner
IMFI supports UNOS’ role as an improvement partner to all members. As the OPTN, UNOS regularly develops new models for improving member performance through innovative structures like IMFI, including collaborative improvement projects that are on a larger scale.
Questions?
Please contact [email protected] with the subject line “IMFI.”
