Use what you learned about quality improvement, identifying a measurable gap, creating SMARTobjectives, and drafting a project AIM Statement as you develop your Project Charter from a nursing
perspective.
Introduction
In this assessment, you will develop your problem statement as well as your AIM statement for your
Project Charter. It is critical to identify the “gap” or area for improvement with supporting evidence. The
AIM statement represents the goals you are trying to accomplish, the impact on the population, system,
or organization, the “why” (why are you undertaking this task), and relevant background information.
One way to operationalize your AIM statement is by developing SMART Goals.
Demonstration of Proficiency
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course
competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
•
•
•
Competency 2: Analyze a health care issue from a leadership perspective, applying quality
improvement principles and evidence-based standards.
•
Develop a problem statement that focuses on a specific problem and is solvable.
•
Develop complete SMART objectives related to the proposed project.
•
Develop an AIM statement that includes measurable goals the project is intended to
accomplish and the anticipated impact on the population, systems, or organizations
served.
Competency 3: Develop a project charter that addresses a potential gap, problem, or
opportunity within a health care system.
•
Describe an existing change opportunity that focuses on one area, is measurable, and
the desired state after improvement is in measurable terms.
•
Discuss multiple timely sources to support the need for improvement.
Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, interprofessional, and respectful of
the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others.
•
Address most components of the assessment prompt appropriately, using the
assessment description to structure the text.
•
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
Overview
In this course, you will use critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and creative insights to develop a
Project Charter. A project charter provides an overview of a proposed project and is a working plan for
how it will be executed. It contains key information including the who, what, when, and where of the
project and how it will be conducted.
For your Project Charter, you will act as a 21st-century leader to identify and address a problem, gap, or
change opportunity that improves health care delivery and/or systems. You will consider how leaders
contribute to the profession by applying quality improvement principles and evidence-based standards
within a culture of ethical practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Your Project Charter will be a foundational plan, so you will not actually implement the project, collect
or analyze data, et cetera. You may use fictitious information as needed; however, you also need to
obtain data from scholarly literature (cited using the most recent edition of APA style) to support your
Project Charter. Try to make it as realistic as you can!
Instructions
For this assessment, use what you learned about quality improvement, identifying a measurable gap,
creating SMART objectives, and drafting a project AIM
1: Project Name: Create a title for your Project Charter.
•
Make the title specific and distinct from other projects so the reader knows the goal and
wants to learn more.
•
Be creative in developing your title.
2. Gap Analysis: In this section, identify a gap or change opportunity in measurable terms.
Select one specific area than can be quantified/measured: What are you trying to accomplish?
•
Describe the quantifiable current state, e.g., the existing condition.
•
Describe the quantifiable desired condition: What should be happening?
•
What is the quantifiable difference between the current status and what it should be,
e.g., the gap?
•
What methods were used to identify the gap?
•
Why is improvement needed in this area? Why is this problem
important/meaningful/relevant?
3. Evidence to Support the Need: In this section, select, summarize, and analyze timely (published
within the last five years) sources that substantiate or explain the gap and the need for
improvement.
•
Include 2–3 sources that substantiate the gap or problem that exists and why
improvement is needed.
•
Consider primary and secondary data sources, regulatory requirements, clinical practice
guidelines, and benchmarking data.
•
Cite all sources using the most current version of APA formatting inclusive of
publications within the last five years.
4. Problem Statement: After performing the Gap Analysis, develop a problem statement that:
•
Focuses on one specific problem.
•
Can be realistically solved, e.g., organizationally or local community.
•
Identifies the effect on the population or process.
•
Is clear and concise (1–2 sentences).
5. SMART Objectives: Write SMART Objectives that define the population and the systems affected
for your Project Charter. Complete SMART objectives address all of the following:
•
Specific: Who is the target population, persons, or process?
•
Measurable: How will you measure the change you anticipate: An increase or
decrease? This must be stated in measurable terms.
•
Achievable: Is it realistic? Do you have the time, support, and resources?
•
Relevant: Is it important or meaningful? Does it consider issues related to population
health and the social determinants of health (health equity, inclusion)? Does it align
with organizational mission and goals?
•
Time: When will the project begin and when will it end? Be specific!
6. Project AIM: Develop an AIM statement that articulates the overarching purpose of your Project
Charter, including:
•
The goals you intend to accomplish (use measurable terms, e.g., think about your
SMART objective).
•
Who will benefit from this?
•
What will be done (evidence to support the action).
•
Where the change will occur.
•
When it will begin and end.
Additional Requirements
•
Written Communication: Write clearly, accurately, and professionally, incorporating sources
appropriately.
•
Length of Paper: Complete all fields of the Project Charter Template Part 1 (approximately 3–4
pages when complete).
•
Resources: Include sources where appropriate within the template; each part of the Project
Charter must include its own reference page formatted according to the most recent APA style.
•
Font and Font Size: APA format (7th edition) permits Times Roman (12-point), Arial (11-point),
and Calibri (11-point).
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following
course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
•
•
•
•
Competency 2: Analyze a health care issue from a leadership perspective, applying quality
improvement principles and evidence-based standards.
•
Develop a problem statement that focuses on a specific problem and is solvable.
•
Develop complete SMART objectives related to the proposed project.
•
Develop an AIM statement that includes measurable goals the project is intended to
accomplish and the anticipated impact on the population, systems, or organizations
served.
Competency 3: Develop a project charter that addresses a potential gap, problem, or
opportunity within a health care system.
•
Describe an existing change opportunity that focuses on one area, is measurable, and
the desired state after improvement is in measurable terms.
•
Discuss multiple timely sources to support the need for improvement.
Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, interprofessional, and respectful of
the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others.
•
Address most components of the assessment prompt appropriately, using the
assessment description to structure the text.
•
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
Project Charter Part 1 Scoring Guide
CRITERIA
Describe an
existing
change
opportunity
that focuses
on one area, is
measurable,
and the
desired state
after
improvement
is in
NONPERFORMANCE
Does not
identify an
existing change
opportunity.
BASIC
PROFICIENT
DISTINGUISHED
Identifies an
existing
change
opportunity
that focuses on
one area and is
measurable.
Describes an
existing
change
opportunity
that focuses
on one area,
is
measurable,
and the
desired state
after
improvement
is in
measurable
terms.
Describes an
existing change
opportunity that
focuses on one
area, is
measurable, the
desired state after
improvement is in
measurable terms,
and explains why
improvement is
needed and
meaningful in this
area.
CRITERIA
NONPERFORMANCE
BASIC
PROFICIENT
DISTINGUISHED
measurable
terms.
Discuss
multiple
timely sources
to support the
need for
improvement.
Does not
present
evidence to
support the
need for
improvement.
Identifies
evidence to
support the
need for
improvement.
Discusses
multiple
timely
sources to
support the
need for
improvement.
Analyzes multiple
relevant and timely
sources to support
the need for
improvement.
Develop a
problem
statement that
focuses on a
specific
problem and is
solvable.
Does not
develop a
problem
statement.
Develops a
problem
statement that
is not specific
to one area or
solvable.
Develops a
problem
statement that
focuses on a
specific area
and is
solvable.
Develops a
problem statement
that is specific to
one area, is
solvable, is clear
and concise, and
identifies its effect
on the
population/process.
Develop
complete
SMART
objectives
related to the
proposed
project.
Does not
develop
SMART
objectives
related to the
proposed
project.
Develops
objectives
related to the
proposed
project that
address some
but not all of
the SMART
objectives.
Develops
complete
SMART
objectives
related to the
proposed
project.
Develops complete
SMART objectives
related to the
proposed project
and illustrates how
the project
addresses the
social determinants
of health and
alignment with
organizational
mission and goals.
Develop an
AIM
statement that
includes
measurable
goals the
Does not
develop an
AIM statement
that includes
the goals the
project is
intended to
accomplish.
Develops an
AIM statement
that includes
the goals;
however, the
connection of
the goals to the
intended
Develops an
AIM
statement that
includes
measurable
goals the
project is
intended to
Develops an AIM
statement that
includes
measurable goals
the project is
intended to
accomplish
including who will
CRITERIA
NONPERFORMANCE
project is
intended to
accomplish
and the
anticipated
impact on the
population,
systems, or
organizations
served.
BASIC
PROFICIENT
DISTINGUISHED
project is
unclear.
accomplish
and the
anticipated
impact on the
population,
systems, or
organizations
served.
benefit, what will
be done, where the
change will occur,
and a timeline with
supporting
evidence.
Address most
components of
the assessment
prompt
appropriately,
using the
assessment
description to
structure text.
Does not
address the
assessment
prompt.
Writing lacks a
clear purpose
or message that
inhibits
effective
communication
with the
intended
audience.
Addresses
most
components
of the
assessment
prompt
appropriately,
using the
assessment
description to
structure text.
Addresses all
components of the
assessment prompt
appropriately and
uses the prompt to
guide organization.
Additionally,
shares information
relevant to all
assessment
components at a
level that
communicates
clear meaning.
Apply APA
style and
formatting to
scholarly
writing.
Does not apply
APA style and
formatting to
scholarly
writing.
Applies APA
style and
formatting to
scholarly
writing
incorrectly
and/or
inconsistently,
detracting
noticeably
from good
scholarship.
Applies APA
style and
formatting to
scholarly
writing.
Applies APA style
and formatting to
scholarly writing.
Exhibits strict and
nearly flawless
adherence to
stylistic
conventions,
document
structure, and
source attributions.
Project Charter
Use this template to develop your project charter, replacing the instructional text in the cells with the required information. Consider making a
copy of this template should you require a second look at the instructions. For each part of the charter, review the step-by-step instruction,
replacing the instructional text in the cells with your information.
Part 1
Project Overview
Project Name
Make the title specific and distinct from other projects so the reader knows the goal and wants to learn
more. Be creative.
Identify a gap or change opportunity in measurable terms that you are interested in, are passionate
about, are familiar or know about, or have experienced in your professional life. Select one specific area
that can be quantified/measured. Describe what you are trying to accomplish:
•
•
•
Gap Analysis
•
•
Describe the quantifiable current state, e.g., the existing condition.
Describe the quantifiable desired condition: What should be happening?
What is the quantifiable difference between the current state and what it should be? This is the
gap! This should be something you can measure, e.g., the difference between the current state
and the desired state.
What methods were utilized to identify the gap?
Why is improvement needed in this area? Why is this problem important/meaningful/relevant?
Current State
Desired State
Identified Gap
Methods used to identify the
Gap
Implications/Relevance to
Identified Population
1
Evidence to
Support the
Need
Problem
Statement
SMART
Objectives
Present evidence to support the need for improvement:
• Select, summarize, and analyze 2–3 timely sources that substantiate or explain the gap or problem
that exists and why improvement is needed.
• Consider primary and secondary data sources, regulatory requirements, clinical practice
guidelines, and benchmarking data.
• Cite all sources using the most current version of APA formatting inclusive of publications within
the last five years.
Develop a problem statement that:
• Focuses on one specific problem.
• Can be realistically solved, e.g., organizationally, or local community.
• Identifies the effect on the population or process.
• Is clear and concise (1–2 sentences).
Write SMART Objectives that define the population and the systems affected by your Project Charter,
including:
• Specific: Who is the target population, persons, or process?
• Measurable: How will you measure the change you anticipate: An increase or decrease? This must
be stated in measurable terms.
• Achievable: Is it realistic? Do you have the time, support, and resources?
• Relevant: Is it important or meaningful? Does it consider issues related to population health and
the social determinants of health (health equity, inclusion)? Does it align with organizational
mission and goals?
• Time: When will the project begin and when will it end? Be specific!
2
Project AIM
An AIM statement is a summary of what you hope to accomplish over a specific amount of time, including
the change you will achieve. It guides your work by describing what success might look like. Develop an
AIM statement that articulates the overarching purpose of your Project Charter, including:
• The specific goals you intend to accomplish (use measurable terms, e.g., think about your SMART
objective).
• Who will benefit from this?
• What will be done (evidence or experience to support the action)?
• Where the change will occur.
• When it will begin and end.
Think about this in terms of “what”, “for whom”, “by when”, and “how much.” Then put it all together!
National Institute for Children’s Health Quality. (2022). Insights: QI tips: A formula for developing a great
AIM statement. https://www.nichq.org/insight/qi-tips-formula-developing-great-aim-statement
References (APA format)
List your references for Part 1 here using the APA format.
Part 2
Project Team
Title
Executive
Sponsor
Department
Role
Explain why you selected this person, including factors such as:
• Executive level accountability for success or failure.
• Access to support and resources.
• Capacity to address resistance and challenges.
• Creates conditions for success.
3
Identify 4–6 team members for the Project Charter:
• Describe each team member’s title, department and/or
affiliation, and qualifications/credentials if relevant.
o Think about who is familiar with the different parts of
the systems.
o As you consider team members, think about them in
terms of “must have.”
• Explain how the person contributes to the project’s
success/rationale for inclusion.
o The team should consist of the people who are
involved with the practice change and carrying out the
effort.
o Some people may have expertise in several areas.
• Explain how the person will add to the team and/or project’s
success.
o Consider how a diverse set of individuals
(demographics, disciplines, experiences, knowledge)
will add to the team and/or the project’s success.
Team
Members
Title/Department
and/or Affiliation
Rationale for Selection/Contribution to the Project
4
Team
Leader
After completing the Applying Leadership Styles interactive media activity in Assessment
1, select a leader for your team who reflects the leadership styles and organizational role
most appropriate to lead your team, including:
• Initials or fictitious name of the leader and primary role within the organization.
• Describe two leadership styles appropriate to the project that the leader might
utilize.
o Present 1–2 sources (published within the last five years) to support your
discussion of these leadership styles. Include APA-style citations.
o Explain why these two leadership approaches are important to your
project’s success.
o Provide examples of how the leader might utilize each of the approaches
you selected in practice.
• Describe useful qualities this leader might leverage for success (consider
emotional intelligence and communication/collaboration attributes).
Stakeholders
Identify 3–4 key stakeholders for the project. These should be distinct from the team members. Stakeholders have a vested
interest in the planned change and represent a wide variety of people and organizations, e.g., patients, family members,
policy makers, advocacy groups, providers, community resources, health promotion organizations, nonprofit groups, etc.
Use fictional names or initials when identifying stakeholders. Consider the following:
• Who is the targeted population?
• What is the stakeholder’s connection to the project?
• How is the stakeholder affected or impacted by the project?
• What is the stakeholder’s contribution to the project?
5
Title/Role or Affiliation
Connection to the
Project
How Affected/Impacted by
Project?
Contribution to the Project
Communication Plan
Develop a communication plan for the executive sponsor, stakeholders, and team members. As you do, consider your
audience(s) and different needs according to culture, language, and other factors. Include information related to the
following:
• The purpose of communication.
• The methods of communication employed (e.g., who is the audience, type of communication needed for team
members versus stakeholders, sponsor, etc.).
• Potential challenges and assets.
o Cultural competency.
o Implicit bias.
o Different levels of knowledge, experience, disciplines, roles.
o Representation.
o Diversity and inclusion.
Include 1–2 timely sources to support your communication plan
References (APA format)
List your references here for Part 2 using the APA format.
6
Part 3
Intervention
Describe the planned intervention including:
• What you plan to do that is different than the current state. This is the “change strategy” that
will address the identified gap.
• Who will be involved in implementing the change?
Planned Intervention
• Process for implementation including when, where, and how.
The planned intervention should address the specific gap you identified in Part 1.
Measurement: Proposed Outcomes
Develop outcome, process, and counter/balancing measures for your project.
Outcome Measure
• What is the desired outcome in measurable
terms?
• Compare to the SMART objective you
developed that is stated in measurable terms.
• This is the desired outcome after the
intervention has been implemented and is
stated in very specific and measurable terms
with time parameters.
Process Measure
State 1–2 process measures that address:
• Are you doing the right things to get to
the outcome?
• Are the steps in the process leading to
the planned outcome?
• These should be specific and in
measurable terms.
Counter/Balancing Measure
As you are not implementing the
project, develop
counter/balancing measures that
might be anticipated if the
planned intervention is
implemented.
• Consider the potential for the
changes being made causing
problems in other areas that
may not be anticipated.
Data Collection & Management
7
Use the table below to develop a plan for the collection, management, and stewardship of the data you will collect for your Project
Charter. Use at least one source/citation to support your data collection plan.
Data Collection
Data Collector
Collection Timeline
•
•
•
What data will be
collected? Be
specific!
Who will collect
the data? Explain
their role and why
this person(s) is
selected.
When will data
be collected?
Provide a
beginning and
ending time
frame.
Data
Storage/Protection
•
How will the data
be stored?
•
How will it be
protected?
Consider security,
de-identification,
confidentiality,
and anonymity.
Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion
•
How will the data be
interpreted? Do you have
any concerns about how
bias might affect data
collection, interpretation,
or application?
Ethical Leadership
As a leader in the field, evaluate how you might address the following for your Project Charter project. Include 1–2
citations/references published within the last five years using the APA format. Consider the following in the context of the
Quadruple Aim/Quintuple Aim:
• Who may benefit from the project?
• Who may be harmed by the project?
• Who is included and who is excluded? Consider vulnerable populations.
• How does this align with ethical leadership?
• How might you leverage power as a leader towards equity?
o Will you utilize different leadership styles or approaches?
o What specialized skills or best practices might be utilized?
o How will the wellbeing of those taking part in the project be addressed?
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
8
Project strengths: What are the assets of the organization that will help it achieve a successful outcome, e.g., knowledge,
support, resources, funding, etc.?
Weaknesses
Potential obstacles or challenges: What are the potential barriers that might interfere with success? In the past, what
factors were aligned with lack of success, and obstacles to change?
Opportunities
Opportunities to facilitate project success: What are the strengths? How might these translate into opportunities for
change?
Threats
Potential threats: Identify potential threats to the success of the project, e.g., competition, factors beyond your control,
etc.
References (APA format)
List your references here for Part 3 using the APA format.
Part 4
Poster Presentation
9
Presenting information to an audience is a common skill that is needed for leaders who work in health care today. At some
time in your career, you might attend a conference in person or virtually to share information about a project. Many health
care conferences now include virtual poster presentation sessions.
Use the Poster Presentation Template PPTX file located in Assessment 4 or develop your own to create a poster that
presents what you learned while developing the Project Charter in Parts 1–3. Be sure to review the assignment description
and scoring guide before you begin work on your design.
10
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Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
