About IHQI’s Seed Grant Program

IHQI’s Seed Grant Program promotes the development of experience and expertise in quality improvement at UNC Hospitals, Faculty Physician practices and Physician Network practices.

IHQI will provide $50,000 each to approximately 5 projects in fiscal year 2016. Funds are for the 12 months beginning July 1, 2015. IHQI staff and faculty will work closely with awardees and provide in-kind support, training, and coaching.

Eligibility and Requirements

Seed grant projects must be conducted within UNC Hospitals, Faculty Physicians practices or Physician Network practices, and can be led by UNC faculty, staff, fellows and residents.

Projects are intended to improve clinical care and outcomes for a population of patients by implementing proven and/or expert-recommended strategies and approaches. Proposals to research new interventions for efficacy and/or effectiveness will not be funded.

Project team members are required to complete Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training prior to project start. Project sponsors are required to complete Lean Six Sigma Blue Belt training prior to project start. Some project teams may be required to participate in Lean Six Sigma Purple Belt training during the award period.

How to Apply

Potential seed grant applications will undergo an initial evaluation via a letter of intent. Please submit a one-page letter of intent (single-spaced, minimum 11-point font) to Laura Brown (laurabrown@med.unc.edu) that addresses these questions:

1. What is the problem or gap in quality you seek to improve?
2. Where is this problem occurring (specify hospital unit, outpatient practice setting, etc.)?
3. How has this problem been addressed successfully in other settings?
4. How do you propose to solve this problem/close the gap in quality?
5. How will you know if you have improved (what is the main outcome to be measured)?
6. Who will comprise the improvement team?

Invitations to submit proposals will be made based on review of letters of intent. Read more in the full Request for Proposal.

Dates

Competitive Letter of Intent Due – December 1, 2014

Invitation to Apply – December 19, 2014

Proposals Due – February 9, 2015

Notification of Awards – April 1, 2015

LSS Yellow & Blue Belt Training (as needed) – April – Jun 2015

Projects Start – July 1, 2015

More information here.