Traditional Distinctions Between Research and Quality Improvement
| Characteristic | Research | Quality Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Discovery | Application |
| Impetus driven by | Current state of knowledge | Needs of end users |
| Circumstance | Optional | Often required |
| Foundation | Theory-driven | Application-driven |
| Philosophy | Naturalism | Pragmatism |
| Conduct | Preplanned | Iterative |
| Consent | Required | Implied |
| Source of data | Multiple organizations | Single organization |
| Audience | Multiple organizations | Single organization |
| Deviation from usual practice | Significant | Minimal |
| Unit of analysis | Patient or clinician | Clinician or practice |
| Outcome measures | Study specific/additional | Routinely collected data |
| Evaluation criteria | Scientific rigor | Process validity |
| Benefit to participants | Little direct benefit to most participants | Direct benefit to most participants |
| Level of risk/burden to participants | Higher | Lower |
| Timeline | Years | Weeks or months |