"Applying Quality Improvement Science to Performance Challenges"
Improvement Methodology
The National Improvement Programmes are based on the same improvement methodology. The
approach is to improve clinical systems and processes through the application of improvement tools and techniques. These tools and techniques are designed to improve access, reduce handoffs, waits and delays, reduce variation, increase reliability and safety and improve overall patient flow.
Improvement programmes should support improvement across all 6 Dimensions of Quality (Institute of Medicine):
• Safety
• Effectiveness
• Patient Centredness
• Timely
• Efficient
• Equitable
The involvement of all people working across the NHS and partner organisations is needed to deliver this challenging access standard. The improvement methodology is patient focussed - reviewing care delivery systems and processes from the patient perspective in order to reduce duplication, waste and error and add value from the perspective of the service user.
At the front line the approach should include testing proposed changes using small scale rapid cycles of change (Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles) to analyse impact against improvement measures. IST offers the Continuous Improvement Toolkit and Core Improvement Skills training to support the skilling and equipping of staff to implement service transformation.
Improvement programmes use evidence based 'High Impact Changes' to ensure changes are focussed to deliver maximum improvement.