Cross-functional quality improvement teams are formed to address complex, organization-wide issues requiring diverse expertise and collaboration.

Option A (A recent poll shows the staff favors a 4-day workweek): This is a staff preference issue, better addressed by HR or leadership, not a cross-functional QI team.

Option B (The laboratory is receiving inconsistent results from an analyzer): This is a specific, department-level issue, likely requiring technical expertise, not a cross-functional team.

Option C (Overtime hours in the emergency department): This is a department-specific issue, better suited for ED management than a cross-functional team.

Option D (Several areas across the organization have increasing staff turnover): This is the correct answer. The NAHQ CPHQ study guide states, “Cross-functional teams are ideal for addressing organization-wide issues like staff turnover, which involve multiple departments (e.g., HR, clinical, leadership)” (Domain 4). Turnover impacts quality, safety, and costs, requiring diverse perspectives.

CPHQ Objective Reference: Domain 4: Performance and Process Improvement, Objective 4.1, “Form multidisciplinary teams for complex improvement initiatives,” highlights cross-functional teams for organization-wide issues. The NAHQ study guide notes turnover as a quality issue due to its impact on care continuity.

Rationale: Staff turnover across multiple areas is a systemic issue requiring input from various departments, making a cross-functional QI team the best approach, as per CPHQ principles.