Where to start and why:
Why use a Quality Improvement Method?
Change is never easy and changing complex work situations and actions that have developed over time is one of the most difficult things to achieve. Getting everyone who needs to be involved to share a similar understanding, having everyone who needs to commit to working out a better way to do things can meet resistance and take more time than seems available. Knowing the that changes have made the right impact and then keeping them working as planned over time and only changing to improve further and not to go backwards may seem impossible. We can all think of times when change has been too hard even though it was much needed.
In this section we give you links to why these approaches are so useful, where to find the templates and guidance on using them and some key tips on the importance of measurement, the vital part time ordered measurement makes to engagement and how personal improvement habits are so important to consider and develop.
Your first QI project should be small, worthy of your attention and not be too ambitious. Each time you take something on you will learn to adjust your approach, build a better plan, measure more effectively and succeed in securing the changes that are needed. This will support your development and education and your career progress. Change in the design and delivery of medical care has always been necessary, now it happens faster and is more likely to impact on various parts of the system so QI approaches are even more important than ever before.
- Using the QI approach enables you to define the problem, plan and test change ideas, measure the impact, then share the learning. Further information regarding QI Toolkits can be found via this link
- This video may also inspire you and others to think differently about QI - video link
Tool Box:
Using ready made resources and guides enable you to access just what you need, refresh your memory on how and steer others to this information if they need more details. Here are three available well designed tool kits:
Data for Improvement:
- Measurement is crucial for progress.
- Your Trust may use the LIFE System to support its QI activity.
Leading for Improvement:
There have been several iterations of Leadership for Safety and Quality Improvement over the years within and in support of the National Health Service.
Here are some commentaries that will extend your understanding of how leadership can contribute to sustained improvement in quality and safety in healthcare
- https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/videos/michael-west-leadership
- https://www.fmlm.ac.uk/sites/default/files/content/resources/attachments/Leadership%20in%20Health%20Care%20%20-%20A%20Summary%20of%20the%20Evidence%20Base_WEB.pdf
- https://www.health.org.uk/publications/whats-leadership-got-to-do-with-it
- Michael Wests work has focused on leading with people and staff and has resonated with teams aim to improve resilience and reduce burn out and loss of morale: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/blogs/five-myths-compassionate-leadership
The Habits of an Improver:
A short summary of how personal habits are developed with and by undertaking improvement.
Quality, Safety and Building the right culture:
Psychological Safety means everyone feeling comfortable to say what they see, what they feel needs to work better and to share concerns without fear of retribution or blame - Amy Edmundson short commentary on this will introduce the subject.