About EPIQ Workshop

  • What is EPIQ?

    EPIQ stands for “Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality”. The EPIQ is a comprehensive program that plans quality improvement (QI) for multiple teams, sites, or regions working closely with the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN). The EPIQ program components include updating and maintaining a core dataset, parental engagement, networking opportunities, a list of potential better practices, offering quality improvement workshops and courses, and shared QI collaboratives in various domains. EPIQ also provides an educational program tailored for individuals and teams interested in learning about quality improvement and developing their own quality improvement projects in real-world settings with challenges. The program is owned and administered by the Canadian Neonatal Foundation, a registered Canadian charity.

  • What are the origins of EPIQ and EPIQ educational program?

    The EPIQ Program was developed in 2003 by CNN as part of a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) funded study. The Mother-Infant Care (MiCare) CIHR team is a multidisciplinary research group that focused on advancing maternal and neonatal health. This team consists of experts in neonatology, obstetrics, nursing, epidemiology, and health services research, working collaboratively to improve outcomes for mothers and infants, particularly in critical and high-risk situations. Their research spans areas including prenatal care, neonatal intensive care, and long-term follow-up of at-risk infants. The EPIQ workshop was designed to train frontline healthcare providers and clients in QI methodologies using a “learning by sharing” approach.

  • Who might benefit from EPIQ educational program-based training?

    The EPIQ Educational Program meets the learning needs of anyone who wishes to learn about quality improvement or develop a quality improvement project in a real-world setting. Workshop attendees range from high school graduates to those with higher education and professional degrees. The content is suitable for healthcare and social sciences audiences but has also been provided to learners in other domains, such as business and leadership.

  • In what ways does the EPIQ educational program assist with implementing practice or process changes?

    The educational stream develops team/individual literacy in quality improvement by following 10 evidence-based steps. Team members and individual participants acquire skills to contribute to quality improvement projects within their organization. Participants interested in becoming champions are mentored by experienced facilitators.

  • How does EPIQ differ from other quality improvement educational programs?

    EPIQ offers an immersive learning experience that closely mirrors real-world scenarios. It emphasizes collaboration and team-based problem-solving. It empowers participants to take the lead in improving their organizations and collaborating with others to foster a culture of improvement. EPIQ is unique because it meets the needs of both champions and team members, facilitating engagement in quality improvement projects.

  • Is the EPIQ workshop accredited for healthcare professionals?

    The EPIQ workshop is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) through the CME office at the University of Calgary as a simulation-based CPD activity lasting up to 6 hours. Accreditation is also recognized by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

  • Can I modify the EPIQ materials while conducting a workshop?

    No. EPIQ learning materials are standardized and owned by the Canadian Neonatal Foundation. Modification without written permission is prohibited.

  • How do I cite the EPIQ educational program?

    • The EPIQ workshop: training front-line teams in quality improvement methods. Edmonton: University of Alberta; [accessed 2022 Nov. 5]. Available: https://www.ualberta.ca/medicine/programs/lifelong-learning/epiq.html. [Google Scholar] • Quality Improvement Collaborative of the Canadian Neonatal Network. https://www.epiq.ca/

  • How can I get more information about EPIQ?

    Contact our EPIQ administrator at [email protected] to arrange a web meeting.

Attending an EPIQ Workshop or Course

  • How can I register for an EPIQ workshop or course?

    There are several options to register for an EPIQ workshop or course: Check upcoming events on the CNF website or EPIQ portal for open workshops. Contact our office at [email protected] to identify a suitable organization near your location that hosts regular workshops. Submit a request through the EPIQ portal for CNF to host or organize a workshop at your site. CNF can also facilitate organizing a workshop customized to a pre-identified topic or problem at your site. Please contact our office for further details.

  • How do I access EPIQ learning materials?

    To access EPIQ learning materials, you will need a username, password, and a current license. Licenses are valid for one year from the date of activation. Free licenses are available for facilitators and users in low- and lower-middle-income countries for Global EPIQ and QIiKMC materials.

  • How do I get my certificate of attendance?

    To receive a copy of your workshop or course certificate, contact the coordinator at the site where the event was hosted. Once your attendance is confirmed by the facilitator or coordinator, you will receive an email with your certificate. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive it. If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact our office for assistance.

  • How do I claim CPD credits for my EPIQ workshop or course?

    The EPIQ workshop is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) through the CME office at the University of Calgary as a simulation-based CPD activity lasting up to 6 hours. Accreditation is also recognized by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and the American Medical Association (AMA). To claim CPD credits, use the details provided in your letter of attendance.

  • May I use EPIQ materials in my workplace?

    EPIQ learning materials are copyrighted and cannot be used for profit, sale, or remuneration without explicit permission from the Canadian Neonatal Foundation. EPIQ workshops and courses should only be conducted by registered EPIQ facilitators. You are not permitted to alter or edit the materials or the 10-step process. However, the EPIQ workbook is a key tool for quality improvement and may be copied for use by your team within the workplace.

  • Should I seek permission for using QI tools mentioned in the EPIQ workshop while planning a QI project in my organization?

    Your team can copy the EPIQ workbook for use within the workplace without requiring any permission, as it is a key tool for quality improvement.

  • I have taken an EPIQ workshop, how do I become a facilitator?

    To become an EPIQ facilitator, you need to first attend a workshop as a co-facilitator and receive mentorship from an experienced EPIQ facilitator. Your mentor will then recommend you to a Master Facilitator or the EPIQ Education Program Steering Committee for registration. Both you and your mentor should be confident that you can effectively prepare for, conduct, debrief, and evaluate an EPIQ workshop.

Registering an EPIQ Workshop or Course

  • What is the CNF website and EPIQ portal?

    The CNF website and EPIQ portal are online platforms where you can find information about EPIQ workshops, register for upcoming events, and request workshops or courses for your organization.

  • What is the difference between participants, facilitators, coordinators, and EPIQ educational administrator?

    Participants: Participants can include any healthcare professional, trainees, clinicians, nurses, administrators, quality improvement specialists, parents, students, and other stakeholders in the healthcare system who aim to enhance patient care and outcomes by attending an EPIQ workshop or course. Facilitator: A facilitator is an individual who has received the necessary EPIQ facilitator training to confidently deliver and teach an EPIQ workshop. Coordinators: An EPIQ coordinator administers workshops and courses for their member organization. They are the contact person for the EPIQ administrator and are tasked with managing and activating purchased licenses. An EPIQ coordinator may also be a facilitator or participate in a workshop. EPIQ Education Program Administrator: Responsible for overseeing the overall program management and coordination between stakeholders.

  • How do I request an EPIQ workshop or course at our organization?

    To request an EPIQ workshop or course, submit your request through the CNF website or the EPIQ portal. For new requests, please identify and register a responsible individual or coordinator from your organization so our office can communicate with you. The coordinator can handle subsequent requests directly.

  • How do I register for an upcoming EPIQ workshop or course posted on your website?

    Any registered coordinator can create a workshop or course registration through the EPIQ portal. During registration, you'll need to provide details such as the type of workshop or course, location, date and time, hosting organization, lead facilitator’s name, and the approximate number of participants. These details can be modified or finalized later, typically up to 10 business days before the event, when the roster and agenda are completed.

  • How do I find a registered EPIQ facilitator?

    The Canadian Neonatal Foundation has a register of facilitators who agree to be contacted for EPIQ workshop questions. Contact [email protected] if you are seeking a facilitator.

  • What are hosting organizations? As a hosting organization, what additional expenses should I consider?

    EPIQ, initially developed for Canadian neonatal intensive care units, is now relevant to a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare settings. We invite membership from a broad spectrum of organizations, including those in business, social services, and education. As a charitable not-for-profit, the CNF retains the right to limit membership to organizations that align with CNF’s vision and mission. In EPIQ workshops or courses, a “member organization” is typically responsible for sourcing and providing facilitators. In contrast, a “hosting organization” handles and may charge a fee in addition to the licensing fee from participants for hospitality-related services, such as the venue, travel, health breaks, and honorarium for facilitators.

  • Can EPIQ facilitators use workshop materials to conduct workshops or educational sessions at their own center or other centers, without participants/organization purchasing licenses?

    Registering EPIQ workshops by connecting with the EPIQ Education Program administrator, purchasing licenses, and registering participants so that they receive due certification of attendance credits are mandatory steps for EPIQ workshops. Any deviations from the above for workshops or educational sessions need explicit permission from the Canadian Neonatal Foundation.

EPIQ Levels of Participation

  • What is a co-facilitator?

    Co-facilitators are facilitators-in-training assigned to work alongside an identified lead facilitator. They have access to both learner and facilitator materials and typically have attended a workshop or course within the past year, which may mean they hold a current license. If they do not have a current license, they must activate a new one.

  • What is a facilitator?

    Facilitators are individuals approved by a master facilitator or the EPIQ Education Program Steering Committee to lead and conduct EPIQ workshops or courses. While they are not required to be quality improvement experts, facilitators should be knowledgeable about EPIQ learning materials, team-based learning methods, and the logistics involved in registering, conducting, and debriefing a workshop or course. Facilitator status is valid for three years and can be renewed by paying an individual license fee ($55) to continue accessing facilitator materials.

  • How does one become a facilitator?

    To become a facilitator, you must meet the following prerequisites after co-facilitating with an experienced facilitator: Demonstrate familiarity with EPIQ learning materials and their application. Show proficiency in preparing, conducting, and debriefing an EPIQ workshop or course. Ensure that both you and the experienced facilitator are confident in your ability to independently facilitate an EPIQ workshop. Once these criteria are satisfied, a Master Facilitator will recommend you for registration as a facilitator on the EPIQ portal. This registration is finalized by a master facilitator. Contact [email protected] so they can identify a master facilitator or an experienced facilitator who can help with the process.

  • What is a lead facilitator?

    In workshops with multiple facilitators, a lead facilitator is assigned for clarity and accountability. A lead facilitator, either individually or in conjunction with a coordinator, is responsible for overseeing and conducting a workshop or course. This role includes managing the roster, agenda, and evaluation processes. The lead facilitator may also fulfill the role of coordinator.

  • What is a master facilitator?

    Master facilitators are responsible for training and appointing facilitators. They are individuals formally recommended by their facility or institution or by the EPIQ Education Program Steering Committee (EPSC) as experienced professionals capable of overseeing and mentoring other facilitators. Master facilitators typically possess substantial practical experience in quality improvement.

  • How can we train facilitators for our facility?

    A master facilitator or delegated experienced facilitator can register new facilitators. An experienced facilitator may be designated as a “master facilitator” if they are sponsored by an established and recognized healthcare or educational facility or by the EPIQ Education Program.

  • How are facilitators remunerated?

    Remuneration of facilitators is the responsibility of the member organization that invites or employs them. Member organizations may charge fees on top of the license fee to recover costs.

EPIQ and Global Health

  • What EPIQ materials are available globally?

    EPIQ licenses on the EPIQ portal are available for purchase globally. The Canadian Neonatal Foundation has a version of EPIQ for low-resourced and Internet-limited settings. The EPIQ flipchart and associated materials are available without charge for download or use in low- and low-middle-income countries. A free license may be obtained through registration at the EPIQ portal, if you wish to use or review these materials in these countries.

  • What is QIiKMC?

    QIiKMC is a training program for facilities that wish to train their teams to provide Kangaroo Mother Care while following the principles of quality improvement. QIiKMC is available globally without charge. You may do so with a free license from the EPIQ portal or from the International Pediatric Association website. QIiKMC ideally follows team training in quality improvement, as one would receive in an EPIQ workshop or using the EPIQ flipchart.

  • Is there preferential pricing for EPIQ materials in low-resourced settings?

    The Canadian Neonatal Foundation is reviewing its pricing structure and changes will be made in 2025. This option will be considered then.