What best describes the focus of the 'implementation' phase of an improvement project?

The focus of the 'implementation' phase of an improvement project is best described as making changes permanent. During this phase, the successful strategies and interventions that have been tested and proven effective in previous stages are integrated into the standard operating procedures of the organization. The goal is to ensure that these changes are sustained over time, becoming part of the routine practices within the organization.

This involves reinforcing the new processes, training staff, developing policies that support the changes, and addressing any barriers to sustaining the improvements. By solidifying these practices, the organization ensures that the benefits of the improvement project are not temporary but rather part of a long-term enhancement in quality.

Other options, while relevant to the overall improvement process, do not capture the essence of the implementation phase. Testing new ideas is more associated with earlier stages of the improvement project, where hypotheses are being validated. Gathering data is crucial, but it tends to occur in conjunction with testing and monitoring phases rather than defining the core of implementation. Expanding interventions refers to broadening the scope of effective changes, which is often a subsequent step after successful implementation.