Ethical conduct recommendations for quality improvement projects.

The distinction between QI, research, and clinical care projects has never been clear. However, QI projects may raise ethical concerns, and organizations need to ensure that patients involved in QI projects are adequately protected. The recommendations within the VHA report are intended as a starting point for dialogue to provide guidance for the responsible ethical conduct of QI projects. Discussion and oversight will need to occur at several levels within organizations to ensure ethical care is being provided.