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Abstract: Over the years, the paradigm of evaluation has shifted from quality assurance (i.e., assessing performance) to quality improvement (i.e., assessing and systematically attempting to change performance). In some instances, quality improvement initiatives are perceived as helpful tools for guiding an organization down the path of improvement and, even, guiding strategic redirection. At other times, however, quality improvement initiatives have been seen as an albatross, failing to accomplish stated improvement goals and doing little to promote organizational learning. The purpose of this think tank is to provide a forum to address these two opposing views of quality improvement, review case studies of various quality improvement projects from around the country, identify key characteristics of successful quality improvement initiatives, and provide participants with a template for quality improvement initiatives that promote organizational learning.

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