Sheila McLean, MBA, LNHA, CPHQ, Vice President at Health Quality Innovators which leads the Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN) and quality improvement initiatives in Virginia, enjoys using creativity to solve health care challenges.

What inspired you to work in health care quality improvement?

I am a person who loves challenges and thrives on solving problems. Like most health care professionals, I want to “fix things and make them better,” so working in health care quality improvement allows me to continuously make positive changes in creative ways.

What excites you most about being part of the HQIN?

I get to help providers across health care settings improve their outcomes and services for their patients and communities. I also get to learn from providers who are the experts because they are providing direct care and share their knowledge and best practices with others.

What advice would you offer HQIN members as they prepare for their next quality improvement project?

Quality is not a department; it takes a team. It is important to involve those closest to the opportunity for improvement because they have the most value to add. So, make sure you are involving your team members, patients, and families.

How has COVID-19 impacted you?

Right now, my personal and professional lives are colliding. My mother-in-law is in an assisted living facility, so I am experiencing COVID-19 from a loved-one’s perspective and through my work helping nursing homes establish infection control and prevention programs. Both personally and professionally, I am thankful for the care provided by frontline workers.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

One of my favorite places is near or in the water! I love the times during the year when I can visit the oceans and rivers. I also enjoy music, especially live music. These days though, I enjoy listening to music on my back porch with my husband or virtually with friends.