Rapid Improvement Model

The Opportunity for Process Improvement

The Performance Improvement (PI) division at OSF HealthCare, part of OSF Innovation, advances the system priorities identified by senior leadership. Working closely with leaders across the Ministry, PI specialists help implement new services and drive process improvement. While traditional performance improvement methods remain valuable, OSF identified a need to accelerate speed to value and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement.

The Solution: A Continuous Improvement Process

In response, the PI team studied how top-performing health care systems were deploying process improvement models across their organizations. That work led to the Rapid Improvement Model (RIM), launched in 2010. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PI also developed and tested asynchronous online training to provide an alternative learning environment. RIM projects are strategically selected initiatives designed to be completed within 90 days by local leaders trained in the continuous process improvement methodology. The model equips leaders to address challenges quickly within their own departments and entities using proven process improvement tools and process improvement methods.

The Impact of Process Improvement Methods

To date, more than 1,000 OSF Mission Partners have completed PI lead training, and more than 1,000 RIM projects have been launched since 2010 (as of March 2026). These projects have addressed initiatives that use process improvement methods, such as standardizing processes for the OSF OnCall Urgent Care model, refining OSF Medical Group medication refill workflows, creating an annual competency for clinic sterile processing and high-level disinfection and increasing OSF Home Care medical social worker (MSW) patient appointments by standardizing the referral process. On average, 60 PI leads are trained and 75 RIM projects are completed each year across the Ministry.

By leading a RIM project, leaders build their own capabilities while helping spread a culture of continuous improvement process excellence across OSF. The model streamlines and improves work products, processes and services while strengthening performance improvement competencies across the Ministry. Today, OSF HealthCare includes nearly 27,000 Mission Partners across 174 locations in Illinois and Michigan, and the PI team helps leaders across the Ministry turn ideas for improvement into action.

"At OSF HealthCare, we enable our Mission Partners to be "continuous innovators" by giving them the tools they need to bring about change for the betterment of our organization and the people we serve."
-Becky Buchen, senior vice president of Innovation Operations, OSF HealthCare

Employing the Rapid Improvement Model and FOCUS PDCA

Ideas for improvement can come from anywhere in the Ministry. Each project requires supervisor approval and an identified project lead who can commit to RIM training and project execution. The PI team supports charter development, confirms the right leadership and team alignment and ensures the project can be completed within the 90-day timeframe before final approval.

Once approved, PI leads participate in three days of quarterly training. During these sessions, they learn how to manage change, lead teams, collaborate with fellow Mission Partners, define focused problems, work through challenging findings, identify and implement effective solutions and sustain improvements over time.

PI leads learn two RIM methodologies during training. Leaders who focus on improving an existing process use the FOCUS PDCA approach. FOCUS stands for find, organize, clarify, understand and select while PDCA stands for plan, do, check and act. Those working to eliminate waste use Lean process improvement methodology.

Participants receive access to reference materials and work with an assigned coach throughout the 90-day process. The PI team also follows up with each RIM project team six months after implementation. Completing a "Success Story" helps celebrate results and encourages others to participate in PI lead training.

RIM Success: Process Improvement Examples Across OSF HealthCare

PI leaders report that RIM trainees continue using their skills long after their projects are complete, supporting sustained improvement across OSF. RIM leads also build valuable relationships with fellow trainees and with leaders within their own entities.