Table 1. Principles for coding and recoding items in the quality improvement (QI) maturity index.

Stage of quality improvement maturity level
1 (Most mature)	2	3	4 (Least mature)
External assessment	Written reports of activities	Policies	No
Internal audits	Implementation of quality and safety activities, ie:	QI plans
Professionals formally approve policies	Periodic and systematic evaluation of data collected in laboratories	Strategies
Accountability	Regular calibration or maintenance equipment	Staff responsibility for QI activities
Feedback to staff and board	Internal budget for QI	Quality or safety teams or committees
Review and use of indicator data