Multi-voting is a technique that helps a group narrow down a large list of options to a smaller list of the most important or preferred ones. It is also known as NGT voting or nominal prioritization 1.
Multi-voting is frequently used in the quality improvement process when there are many potential problems or solutions to choose from, and the group needs to focus on the most critical or feasible ones. It can help the group reach a consensus and avoid bias or domination by a few members 1.
According to the NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework, one of the skills required for healthcare quality professionals is to “use multi-voting to prioritize improvement opportunities” 2. This skill belongs to the domain of performance and process improvement, which involves identifying, analyzing, and implementing changes to improve outcomes and efficiency 3.
The steps of multi-voting are as follows 1:
Generate a list of options or ideas using brainstorming, affinity diagram, or other methods.
Display the list on a flip chart, whiteboard, or computer screen so that everyone can see it.
Ask each group member to select a certain number of options (usually 3 to 5) that they think are the most important or relevant. They can use stickers, dots, or marks to indicate their choices.
Count the number of votes for each option and rank them from the highest to the lowest.
Eliminate the options that received the least votes (usually less than half of the highest vote) and repeat the voting process with the remaining options until the desired number of options is reached (usually 3 to 5).
Discuss the final list of options and agree on the priority order or the final selection. References:
2: NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework, Domain 3: Performance and Process Improvement, Skill 3.1.4
3: NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework Overview 4
1: What is Multivoting? NGT Voting, Nominal Prioritization | ASQ 1
