Quality Sunflower

This Quality Book of Tools includes a conceptual framework of categories and values depicted in the Quality Flower, a yellow and purple sunflower chosen as a metaphor for the Book of Tools. 

Just as a sunflower follows the sun throughout the day and grows vigorously under its rays, but withers without water and sunshine, Quality in primary care requires attention, nurturing and support to flourish. The future of the sunflower lies in its centre, just as the practice team’s commitment to continuous quality improvement is at the heart of Quality. The petals of the sunflower represent the categories of indicators of quality in a family practice setting. Eight categories have been identified in this 1st Edition Quality Book of Tools, and in the future more may be added as primary care evolves and quality improvements develop further. (The sunflower’s yellow petals represent as-yet unidentified categories.) Purple was chosen as the colour of Quality because it is a complex and unique hue that stands alone, representing the complex nature of quality and the challenge of including continuous improvement in the normal rhythm of everyday work. However, with time and experience, the inherent value and rewards of incorporating Quality into day-to-day activities become ever clearer.  The sunflower is surrounded by the five values integral to developing a sustainable quality culture in primary care in Ontario.
   
The Quality flower has eight petals representing the eight categories that incorporate the common elements of family practice activities. The eight Categories are in no particular order and are labelled for convenience: