Table 2.

LC Components Highlighted for Comparison^*

Study Information	LC Components	QI Processes	Organizational Involvement
As this review is focused on the state of the extant literature, this category highlights the basic study details highlighted by the published article	Given the definition of LCs compiled from a review of the literature, which common LC components were explicitly referenced by study authors	Beyond the basic components of the LC, which quality improvement techniques were included?	In theory, LCs enable an organization to enact change at multiple levels within their organizational structure; Did the LC take steps to train or otherwise involve members of the organization who were not directly included in the collaborative?
Target for Improvement What was the focus of the LC?	Length of Collaborative Can a standard collaborative length be established?	Sites Collected New Data for QI During the collaborative, did sites collect new data for quality improvement purposes?	Leadership Involvement/Outreach Did members of the collaborative involve or otherwise reach out to local leadership?
Model(s) Did the LC align with existing collaborative models?	Pre-Work: Convened Expert Panel The BTS model calls for a planning group that identifies targets for improvement change and plans the collaborative	Sites Reviewed Data & Used Feedback Did the collaborative sites review new data and adjust their practices according to findings?	Training for ‘Non-QI Team Staff Members’ by Experts Did LC faculty or other experts provide training for staff members who were not a part of the QI Team?
Study Sample What was the population of focus?	Pre-Work:Organizations Required to Demonstrate Commitment The BTS model recommends requiring formal commitments, application criteria, or “readiness” activities for LC sites.	External Support with Data Synthesis & Feedback Did LC faculty or other experts provide support with data synthesis and feedback?	Training for ‘Non-QI Team Staff Members’ by the QI Team After the collaborative, did newly trained QI team members provide training for staff members who were not a part of the QI Team?
	In-Person Learning Sessions Teams are traditionally trained in clinical approaches and QI approaches during initial in-person sessions
	PDSAs Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles are a key component of the rapid cycle approach to change recommended by the BTS model
	Multidisciplinary QI Team LCs typically involve staff members at various levels of the organization
	QI Team Calls Calls among QI team members or between members in other participating organizations are a common component
	Email or Web Support Email, listservs, or other forms of web support have become a common approach for providing ongoing support

^*Adapted from: Understanding the Components of Quality Improvement Collaboratives: A Systematic Literature Review. Nadeem, E., Olin, S. S., Hill, L. C., Hoagwood, K. E., & Horowitz, S. M. (2013). The Milbank Quarterly, 91, 354–394.