{"id":806,"date":"2023-12-22T13:11:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T18:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/ohsp\/?page_id=806"},"modified":"2026-09-09T17:18:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T21:18:46","slug":"qmp","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/ohsp\/quality-improvement\/qmp\/","title":{"rendered":"Quality Management Plan Guidance"},"content":{"rendered":"
The central goal of our Quality Management Plan (QMP) guidance is to provide resources that encourage, guide, integrate, and enhance continuous quality improvement for a research site, research program, or department\/division.<\/p>\n
This guide on this page is intended to aid investigators and research staff in QMP set-up, implementation, and evaluation and to prioritize areas of potential risk to target.<\/p>\n
Get a Quality Management Consultation<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The central goal of our Quality Management Plan (QMP) guidance is to provide resources that encourage, guide, integrate, and enhance continuous quality improvement for a research site, research program, or…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"parent":5046,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-806","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"lead_in":"","display_title":"Quality Management Plan (QMP) Guidance","subtitle":"","call_to_action":"","hero_image_placement":"no_image","hero_media":"images","hero_pattern_option":"","hero_video":"","hero_external_video_url":"","hero_external_video_title":"","hero_external_video_poster":"","hero_image_landing":"","hero_image_landing_two":"","hero_image_landing_three":"","content_modules":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","anchor":"qualitymgmt","css_class":"","title":"What is quality management?<\/h2>","content":"Quality management within a study protocol includes all of the following:\r\n
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Quality Management Plan overview<\/h2>","description":"","background":"decorative","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What is a QMP?","icon":"","row_content":"In its most basic form, \u2018quality\u2019 in the conduct of human subject research is defined by the absence of errors. Therefore, a Quality Management Plans (QMP) is a detailed strategy outlining how errors will be identified and assessed during the conduct of a study. [1,2] <\/sup><\/a>It is important to remember when developing a QMP that errors range in severity and their potential to introduce risk to subjects (e.g., minor documentation errors versus enrolling subjects without Institutional Review Board [IRB] approval). The goal of a QMP is to assist in conducting high quality research, which is research that protects subjects, is conducted in a compliant manner, and produces \u2018good\u2019 data with reliable conclusions. [3]<\/sup><\/a>\r\n<\/sup>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, assessing quality has been reactive; errors are identified and addressed after the fact. The ideal method of quality management is proactive, which involves the study team implementing a process to continuously assess the quality of the research operation by building quality measures into a study during the development stage.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Why have a QMP?","icon":"","row_content":"The increasing complexity of study protocols drives levels of site burden higher and, while causality has not been demonstrated, may adversely affect site performance [7]<\/sup><\/a>. Compounding this notion with data demonstrating that common deficiencies identified by the FDA during site inspections have remained unchanged over the past several years [6]<\/sup><\/a> further drives the need to put proactive QMP procedures into place.\r\n\r\nAs study protocols become increasingly complex and the requirement for single-IRB review becomes more common, study teams must be vigilant about maintaining the integrity of the study, protecting subjects and ensuring the quality of the data.[3, 5, 6]<\/sup><\/a> Neglecting to identify and address errors may compromise study data, put subjects at undue risk, prevent the ability to meet protocol objectives, and put both the Investigator and the institution at risk with federal regulators (OHRP and FDA) and sponsors.\r\n\r\nImplementing a QMP may help a study team to successfully achieve study objectives, while:\r\n
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How to implement a QMP<\/h2>","description":"Developing and implementing a QMP can be daunting. The decision to do so should be well thought out and planned in advance. Before diving into the process, consider the following:","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Commitment and resources","icon":"","row_content":"Implementing a QMP will take dedication, time, and resources (resources that may not have originally been budgeted for), but it may ultimately save time and resources by identifying and potentially preventing troubling incidents of non-compliance. The discussion and decision-making to create and implement a QMP should include Investigators, coordinators, and other leadership within the department\/division, as appropriate. Determining the level of leadership support is crucial in the development of a QMP and will guide the scope of the QMP.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"QMP scope","icon":"","row_content":"A QMP can be developed and implemented for a single study, a group of studies similar in nature, or an entire department\/division. Similarly, the review elements and the timing of the review can vary. For example: for a single study, you may decide to review signed consent forms semi-annually; as a department, you may decide to review a random selection of subject files quarterly; or vice versa.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the nature and scope of the QMP(s) you choose to implement will vary based upon needs and resources.\u00a0 If you are new to this process, or have limited resources, try starting with something simple. As the process becomes more familiar and routine, the QMP can be expanded. Keep in mind, to be effective the nature of the QMP must be realistic and work for the study team. Note that additional examples of QMPs are available in the appendices for your consideration.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"QMP process","icon":"","row_content":"Regardless of the nature and scope of your QMP, following the PDCA Cycle (also known as the Deming Cycle) will assist study teams in successful and effective implementation of a QMP. The PDCA Cycle is a model for continuous process improvements consisting of four repetitive steps:\r\n
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Steps to implementing a QMP<\/h3>","description":"","background":"decorative","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"yes","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Step 1.A: PLAN \u2013 What to Review?","icon":"","row_content":"
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QMP training<\/h5>\r\nIf necessary, an essential step to take before implementing the plan is training the staff who will conduct reviews.\u00a0As the study team should be involved in the development of the QMP, they should require minimal training. If using a QMP is unfamiliar for a study team, OHSP Division of Quality Improvement (OHSP-QI) is available for consultation<\/a>. OHSP-QI will provide on-site consultation to research team members regarding implementing a QMP specific to their study.\r\n
Proactive strategies to consider<\/h6>\r\n
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Reporting findings<\/h5>\r\n
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'Minor' examples<\/h6>\r\n
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'Major' examples<\/h6>\r\n
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'Immediate Fix' (Corrective Action)<\/h6>\r\n
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'Big-Picture Fix' (Preventative Action)<\/h6>\r\n
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Tips and keys to success<\/h2>","content":"
Advice from the front line<\/h4>\r\n
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Keys to success<\/h4>\r\n
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Reach out: Consultations and support<\/h2>","content":"OHSP-QI offers free Quality Management Consultations to assist teams in planning QMPs. As part of the consultation, OHSP-QI will:\r\n
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Appendix A \u2013 QMP Examples<\/strong><\/h3>","description":"Below are examples or \u2018food for thought\u2019 to stimulate ideas and direction for individual site QMP development. Each scenario provides an example of what could<\/em> be reviewed with limited QMP resources (e.g., time) versus a more comprehensive review. Keep in mind, these examples are not all-inclusive. You may, at any time, review any or all subjects and\/or all data collection forms for protocol compliance.","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Greater than minimal risk behavioral research","icon":"","row_content":"
Protocol summary\/scenario<\/h6>\r\nAn Investigator-initiated, randomized, multi-center study of cognitive therapy with or without mindfulness training in adults (age 18 and older) with depression and history of suicidal ideation. Subjects are to be meditation-na\u00efve for the previous six months per subject report. All enrolled subjects attend one study visit each week for four weeks, followed by every other week (+\/- three business days) for 20 weeks. Each study visit includes a standard cognitive therapy session and questionnaire completion (including depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life measures); duration of each study visit is expected to be one hour. Subjects randomized to receive mindfulness training complete additional training for the first eight weeks (duration of the additional training is 30 minutes each week); they will also maintain and submit mediation online diaries weekly. Approximately 100 subjects (randomized 1:1) are expected to enroll. All adverse events, depression, and suicidal ideation scales will be monitored by the Investigator at the time of each study visit. The Data and Safety Monitoring Committee will review comprehensive adverse event data annually.\r\n
Limited resources QMP example<\/h6>\r\n
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Comprehensive QMP example<\/h6>\r\n
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Protocol summary\/scenario<\/h6>\r\nAn Investigator-initiated, single-center, open-label study of DrugABC used in children age 14-17 with uncontrolled seizures (minimum of twice daily for previous four weeks).\u00a0 An Investigational New Drug (IND) application has been filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this study; while DrugABC is FDA approved, it has not been approved for use in this population. Enrolled subjects are DrugABC-na\u00efve, undergo a screening visit, and 13 additional monthly (+\/- four business days) study visits that include a physical examination, vital signs, clinical labs, 24-hour EEG monitoring, and a pain assessment questionnaire.\u00a0 The Data and Safety Monitoring Plan includes: collecting information on all adverse events; reporting adverse events deemed serious to a Medical Monitor within 24 hours of notification, and Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) reviews every six months. The subject\u2019s signed informed consent will be scanned into the electronic health record.\u00a0 Registration with clinicaltrials.gov<\/a> is expected.\u00a0 Approximately five subjects are expected to enroll.\r\n
Limited resources QMP example<\/h6>\r\n
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Comprehensive QMP example<\/h6>\r\n
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Protocol summary\/scenario<\/h6>\r\nAn Investigator-initiated study examining sleep habits in medical residents. Upon enrollment, all subjects complete a demographic questionnaire, a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan, and undergo an overnight sleep study. Subjects will be notified via email every other month to complete questionnaires and cognitive testing online.\u00a0 Repeat overnight sleep studies will be completed every six months and a repeat fMRI scan will be completed annually. Any study related activity has a +\/- 21-day window for completion.\u00a0 Subjects remain enrolled in the research for up to five years or until they complete their medical residency. Final results from the fMRI and overnight sleep studies are reviewed within two weeks by the Investigator; notable results are referred to the subject\u2019s private physician, as appropriate. Approximately 90 subjects are expected to enroll.\r\n
Limited resources QMP example<\/h6>\r\n
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Comprehensive QMP example<\/h6>\r\n
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Appendix B: Risk Assessment Examples<\/h3>","content":"Reference the table below for issues and associated risk levels.\r\n[ninja_tables id=\"1256\"]","background_color":"#ffffff","width":"width-medium"},{"acf_fc_layout":"interstitial","anchor_id":"","classes":"","layout":"layout_inline","lead-in":"reach out","title":"Additional support","content":"If you still have questions, need additional support, or would like to request a consultation, email us at ohspqi@urmc.rochester.edu<\/a>.","call_to_action":{"title":"Contact us","url":"mailto:ohspqi@urmc.rochester.edu","target":""},"bg_color":"#00205b"},{"acf_fc_layout":"card_grid","anchor":"","css_class":"","title":"
Related resources<\/h2>","description":"","background_color":"#FFFFFF","width":"width-large","columns":"2","cards":[{"card_title":"
Study documentation templates<\/h5>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#f4f4f4","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Templates","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/ohsp\/templates\/#studydocumentation","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"
Self-audit templates<\/h5>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#f4f4f4","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"Templates","url":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/ohsp\/templates\/#selfaudit","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""}]}]},"yoast_head":"\n