Process Flow Mapping for Systems Improvement: Lessons Learned

Abstract: This article fills a gap in the evaluation literature by detailing how to conduct process flow mapping: a continuous quality improvement (CQI) method. The importance of process flow mapping and the steps required to complete the method are illustrated in the context of evaluating a cardiac care system. The article discusses several challenges and solutions in conducting process flow mapping, including (a) selecting appropriate subject matter experts, (b) mapping simultaneous processes, (c) terminating mapping, (d) integrating multiple process flow maps, and (e) validating process flow maps. The article concludes by reinforcing the importance for systematically documenting new evaluation methods for dissemination and utility purposes.