Despite the known risks, consistent screening for tardive dyskinesia (TD) in outpatient psychiatric settings remains limited, largely due to time constraints, underutilization of standardized tools like the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), and gaps in provider awareness and training. A quality improvement project was initiated at a community outpatient clinic to address this issue by enhancing provider knowledge and self-efficacy through training focused on the AIMS scale, with the goal of improving early detection and management of TD.

The project used the IOWA model and Lewin’s change theory to guide implementation and applied the PDSA cycle for iterative evaluation. Training sessions significantly increased healthcare providers’ confidence and led to a 20% rise in AIMS screenings and a 10% improvement in TD detection rates within four weeks. The results emphasized the importance of regular training to support early intervention and patient safety. By integrating AIMS assessments into routine care, the clinic aimed to reduce the burden of TD and enhance patient outcomes. The project demonstrated that targeted provider education can drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in mental healthcare delivery.

Reference: Docteur J. Quality Improvement Project: Improving Tardive Dyskinesia Detection and Management Through AIMS Scale Utilization in Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. DNP Project. 2025;100.