Roadmap to a successful quality improvement project.

Although the benefits of quality improvement initiatives are largely understood by practicing neonatologists and perinatologists, the vast majority have not received any formal training in quality improvement methodology. Even as reporting requirements of quality metrics has increased from a number of outside agencies and public reporting entities, education for physicians regarding how to carry out quality improvement projects has largely remained the individual's responsibility. The first in a series of quality improvement education papers, we focus on the reasons why quality improvement matters and how to develop a team of stakeholders that will be functional and productive in addressing specific quality and safety concerns.