QI Essentials Toolkit - Flowchart - Create, Review, and Update

Sep 12, 2026

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QI Essentials Toolkit: Flowchart guides teams to visualize the sequence of steps in a process as it currently operates. Teams brainstorm and capture each step in boxes, use diamond shapes for decision points with yes/no questions, and connect elements to reflect the real workflow. A shared process map helps identify problems and bottlenecks, such as delays, duplication, expense, or communication breakdowns, enabling teams to start targeted improvement work. Instructions include defining the first and last step, filling steps using symbols, reviewing accuracy, assigning action items for gaps, and keeping the flowchart up to date.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Flowchart

Purpose of a Flowchart

How to Create a Flowchart

Tips for Building and Reviewing

Example and Template Usage

QI Essentials Toolkit: Flowchart A flowchart—also known as a “process map” —is a visual representation of the sequence of steps in a process. Understanding the process as it currently operates is an important step in developing ideas about how to improve it. This makes flowcharts especially useful in the early phases of improvement work. To create a flowchart, teams brainstorm all the steps in the process as it currently exists. Teams write each process step in a box (or on a sticky note). In addition to the steps themselves, they use a diamond shape (or sticky note turned on its corner) to indicate points in the process where a decision needs to be made. For decision steps, the team writes a yes/no question. Then they use lines to show the connections between the boxes and diamonds. Having a shared understanding of the current process helps teams identify problems or bottlenecks, focus discussions, and identify resources. For example, teams can identify steps in the process that do not add value, such as delays; unnecessary work, duplication, or expense; and breakdowns in communication. It is at these points where the improvement work can start. | IHI’s QI Essentials Toolkit includes the tools and templates you need to launch and manage a successful improvement project. Each of the nine tools in the toolkit includes a short description, instructions, an example, anda blank template. NOTE: Before filling out the template, first save the file on your computer. Then open and use that version of the tool. Otherwise, your changes will not be saved. | | | | --- | --- | --- | | 􀁸 Cause and Effect Diagram
􀁸 Driver Diagram
􀁸 Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) | 􀁸 Flowchart
􀁸 Histogram
􀁸 Pareto Chart
􀁸 PDSA Worksheet | 􀁸 Project Planning Form
􀁸 Run Chart & ControlChart
􀁸 Scatter Diagram | Copyright © 2017 Institute for Healthcare Improvement. All rights reserved. Individuals may photocopy these materials for educational, not-for-profit uses, provided that the contents are not altered in any way and that proper attribution is given to IHI as the source of the content. These materials may not be reproduced for commercial, for-profit use in any form or by any means, or republished under any circumstances, without the written permission of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Instructions 1) Get the “right” people in the room—those who know the process best. 2) Start by defining the first and the last step in the process—so that everyone has a shared understanding of where the process you’re working on begins andends. 3) Using the shapes below, fill in all the steps in the process from first to last. Show the process as it actually works (not as it should work) . o Tip: Use sticky notes (one for each step) to create a flowchart. This allows you to add steps and move steps around as you depict the process. o Tip: Note that some steps are parallel—that is, they happen at the same time. 4) Review the flowchart to check for accuracy and completeness. 5) Assign action items to team members to fill in unfamiliar steps and verify accuracy. 6) When the flowchart is complete and accurate, analyze it, use it, revisit it, and keep it up to date. Example: Flowchart Before filling out the template, first save the file on your computer. Then open and use that version of the tool. Otherwise, your changes will not be saved. Template: Flowchart Use the symbols on the previous page to map out your system.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a flowchart in QI work?

A flowchart visualizes the sequence of steps in a process as it currently operates, helping teams understand how the process works and identify opportunities for improvement.

How should decision points be represented in the flowchart?

Decision points are shown using a diamond shape (or a sticky note turned on its corner) with a yes/no question written inside.

What should teams do after the flowchart is complete?

Teams should review it for accuracy and completeness, assign action items for any unfamiliar steps, then analyze it, revisit it, and keep it updated.

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Riley