Quality Advisory Group Supports Performance Improvement in Health Agencies

May 12, 2025 | Colton Anderson

As public health agencies face evolving challenges and growing expectations, the need for strong infrastructure and sustainable performance improvement strategies has never been greater. Since its launch in Summer 2023, ASTHO’s Quality Advisory Group (QAG) has become a strategic hub for advancing this work.

Comprised of performance improvement professionals from across the country, a core function of the QAG is peer-to-peer collaboration. By connecting professionals with shared goals and challenges, the group facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices that can be applied within their health agencies. These discussions not only help participants navigate complex performance improvement initiatives but also provide ASTHO with direct feedback on the types of support and resources that are most valuable for the field. The QAG plays a vital role in identifying needs, challenges, and opportunities that inform ASTHO’s Performance Improvement team and guide the development of tools and resources.

Advancing Public Health Performance Improvement

Through regular discussions, the group has provided input on a range of performance improvement initiatives. Topics have included:

• Performance management.
• What state, territorial, and freely associated state health officials should know about performance management and quality improvement (PM/QI).
• Public health alignment of major plans and PM/QI.
• Strategies for communicating performance measures across all levels of the agency.
• How PM/QI councils are used and integrated into PM/QI efforts.
• How to structure PM/QI training for staff.
• Public health accreditation.

Shaping ASTHO Resources and Driving Improvements

One of the most significant contributions of the QAG has been its role in shaping and reviewing key ASTHO resources.

Improvements to a Readiness Tool for Frontline Staff

The Process Improvement Readiness Assessment Tool is a prime example of how QAG members have influenced ASTHO’s tools. This resource was designed to help agencies assess their capacity for process improvement initiatives, providing a structured approach to evaluating readiness and identifying growth areas. QAG members reviewed a draft version of the checklist, offering critical feedback to enhance its usability and ensure it was practical for frontline professionals implementing the tool.

Enhancements to ASTHO’s STAR Center Webpage

Another area where QAG members made a direct impact was the ASTHO STAR Center, which houses many of ASTHO’s performance improvement tools and resources. Members expressed a need to improve the site’s navigation and understanding, prompting ASTHO to conduct polling and direct outreach to gather feedback. Many of the members’ suggestions were incorporated into an improved site design, making the resources more accessible and user-friendly.

Development of Resources Relevant to Real-World Public Health Work

Additionally, the QAG has played an important role in assessing the relevance and usefulness of new ASTHO resources. During meetings, members were presented with tools and guidance documents to gather initial reactions and insights into their potential value. These discussions helped ASTHO gauge whether the resources aligned with the needs of public health agencies and identify areas where further support might be needed. Some of the resources introduced to the group included:

• Developing Internal Quality Improvement and Performance Management Training Modules: A guidance document designed to help agencies build customized in-house training programs.
• A Guide for Sustainable Public Health Accreditation: A roadmap for maintaining long-term accreditation readiness.
• Quality Improvement Toolkit: A comprehensive resource to help agencies integrate QI into daily operations.

What Members Are Saying

The QAG can assist health agencies strengthen their performance improvement efforts by providing a trusted space for shared learning, peer exchange, and problem-solving. To highlight the group’s impact, we asked members how their participation has influenced their work. Here’s what they had to say:

The Pennsylvania Department of Health appreciates the peer-to-peer support during meetings and in follow-up contacts. Their department has used input from other jurisdictions to plan various aspects of their infrastructure, including their performance management systems, PM/QI Council, and PM/QI Assessment.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services values the openness of the group and the willingness of members to share both successes and challenges. “This group is easy to talk to and really share their experiences fully — the good, the bad, and the ugly. I appreciate the vast knowledge and impressive drive many in this cohort possess.” They noted that participation in the QAG has reinforced their motivation to sustain momentum in their QI efforts. Specifically, they are revisiting their annual training strategy and plan to reach out to fellow members for insights on structuring a QI certification process.

The Illinois Department of Public Health highlighted how participation has helped them better align performance improvement initiatives with broader performance management goals. Hearing from peers about integrating quality practices into organizational strategies and exploring workforce development approaches has inspired changes in their own work. They also emphasized the value of a collaborative space for learning and practical application.

These insights reinforce the value of the QAG as a collaborative space for sharing best practices, shaping resources, and strengthening public health performance improvement efforts nationwide.

Learn More

The work of the QAG has shaped several ASTHO performance improvement resources, ensuring they are practical, relevant, and aligned with the needs of public health agencies — which agencies can explore to enhance their performance improvement efforts.

As the QAG moves into its second year, ASTHO will continue working with members to explore new topics, gather feedback, and support agency efforts to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement.

To learn more about ASTHO’s performance improvement resources or to engage with the Quality Advisory Group, email performanceimprovement@astho.org.