Define a Change Project

The Executive Sponsor defines the Change Project. Each project is defined by:

• One aim
• One level of care
• One facility location (if there is more than one)
• One targeted population (e.g., all clients, all clients referred from detox, or clients referred by criminal justice, etc.)

Each of the four NIATx aims can be applied to outpatient and residential care, for a targeted population at each facility location. This offers you a wide range of options for selecting process improvement projects. For example, typical projects might include:

• Reduce waiting to treatment + at the outpatient clinic + for clients transferred from residential treatment + at our downtown facility.
• Increase admissions that improve payer mix + at the outpatient clinic + for clients referred by parole officers + at our downtown facility.
• Increase continuation + at the residential facility + for all clients + at our suburban facility.

At one end of the spectrum, you can select a project aim simply by choosing something that keeps you awake at night—typically a process that has a direct impact on your organization’s financial health.

NIATx member organizations have shown how a Change Project targeting one of the four aims often provides a business case for process improvement.