"Applying Quality Improvement Science to Performance Challenges".
Introduction
18 Weeks Service Redesign and Transformation Programme
The Improvement and Support Team (IST) is assisting NHSScotland to deliver the 18 Weeks RTT access standard with a three year Service Redesign and Transformation Programme. The programme is funding NHS teams across Scotland to run projects aimed at improving clinical and administrative systems and processes. Programme planning guidance, CEL (12 2008), was issued in February 2008 to assist with service redesign project planning.
What is the Programme founded upon?
The 18 Weeks Service Redesign and Transformation Programme builds on a knowledge and experience of continuous improvement tools and techniques, underpinned by lean thinking. The programme focuses on understanding and managing Demand, Capacity, Activity and Queue (DCAQ) information, improving patient flow by reducing bottlenecks and using the Model for Improvement to make incremental and sustainable changes. The programme will also consider appropriate approaches to behaviour change management to support delivery of the 18 weeks RTT access standard.
Local NHS Board engagement and activity
Improvements will require a drive from local improvement teams to fully engage and embed continuous improvements through operational and clinical management across whole systems. This access standard requires active and sustained clinical executive level leadership and endorsement.
Five Key Changes
The 18 Weeks Service Redesign and Transformation Programme will build upon the five high impact changes promoted through the Planned Care Improvement Programme:
Building on learning from NHSScotland and from across the world
The programme will build on learning from current service innovations and across the UK and internationally as appropriate, this will include:
- Better use of information to identify bottlenecks through the No Delays Scotland service improvement tool which will use NHS service data to identify service improvement priorities.
- Lean initiatives that remove bottlenecks and waste within systems and process to increase productivity, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Technology as an enabler to improve processes by working with the Scottish Centre for Telehealth and the eHealth Programme to improve the quality and responsiveness of planned care.
- Workforce development such as extended and new roles that improve the quality and responsiveness of care, improve flow and provide rewarding careers for NHS staff.
Contacts and further information
For further details of the programme please contact:
Esme Wilson - Project Support Officer
Laura Jones - National Programme Manager
Links/Publications
The following are key links to the associated websites and documents: