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This article describes how quality improvement (QI) methodology was applied to partnership work in a population health promotion unit within a health care system. Using Kolb's experiential model of learning, we describe and reflect on our experience as a population health promotion unit working on a QI initiative focused on community partnerships for intersectoral collaboration. We identify contextual factors that can guide QI for population health promotion work. The three main lessons we identified were to (i) frame the need for improvement effectively, (ii) start by setting the conditions for others to lead and (iii) be people-focused as well as process-focused. Health care systems can apply QI methods to improve and strengthen their role in working with partners to improve population health. By sharing our experience with other practitioners, we hope to find support and allies as we learn together to improve quality in population health promotion settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated care pathways (ICPs) for atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure have been examined in the literature. Systematic study, however, of provider experiences with implementation of pathways for these conditions is lacking. Given the pivotal role of nurses in the care of these chronic heart conditions, this information may be valuable for cardiovascular nurses who use pathways for these chronic heart conditions. In this study, qualitative methods were used to systematically examine providers' experiences with the implementation of integrated care pathways for these conditions. Nurses, physicians, and pharmacists provided feedback on their experiences. Analyses revealed that pathways were perceived by providers to have strengths (e.g., improved communication, knowledge, transition, patient involvement and review), but also multiple challenges (e.g., education, timelines, complexity, interest, ownership, coordination, and documentation) when implemented for these complex chronic medical conditions. Provider recommendations for pathway implementation with these conditions are shared in this study. This information may facilitate cardiovascular nurses in implementing lCPs in other centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]