QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Quality Improvement (QI) completes the audit cycle and can be described as the “combined and unceasing efforts of everyone – to make changes that will lead to better patient outcome (health), better system performance (care) and better professional development (learning)”.
We are excited to engage with staff to promote QI within Critical Care and improve the experience and outcomes of patients, relatives and staff.
The Critical Care Quality Improvement Team (QIT) is here to encourage, support and co-ordinate QI within critical care.
The RIE QI Team
Dr Alastair Hurry (Consultant) alastair.hurry@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Rebekka Brunner (ACCP)
rebekka.brunner@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Marie MacKinnon (Senior charge nurse) marie.mackinnon@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
The WGH QI Team
Dr Rosie Baruah (Consultant)
rosaleen.baruah@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
The St John’s QI Team
Dr Catherine Stretton (Consultant)
Catherine.stretton@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
The group can also liaise and co-ordinate work within the critical care directorate across NHS Lothian.
IMPROVING YOUR QI KNOWLEDGE
We believe that QI should be open to every member of the MDT and a structure around QI science and promoting learning based on the best available evidence.
NHS Lothian has a dedicated Quality Academy, QI Coaching and QI resource website.
Useful websites with information about National QI and learning
https://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org
STARTING YOUR QI PROJECT
We would like to encourage all QI projects to notify the Critical Care QI team using the QR codes (available in RIE Doctors’ room, on QI Board outside DAR or below). This will allow co-ordination between projects as well as input from the wider critical care team, which will help increase the chance of successful improvement and engagement.
You can present a brief overview of your project to the QIT at the QI meetings or grand rounds alongside external meetings. The feedback will be passed back to you to help with your project. If you would like ongoing support with your project, we are available to assist you.
PLANNING YOUR QI PROJECT
When thinking about your QI project, consider using the acronym SMART to think through the goals of your project.
SMART refers to criteria for setting goals and objectives and is recommended by The Guidance for Provision of Intensive Care Services (GPICS).
These are goals are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The idea is that every project goal must adhere to the SMART criteria to be effective. By completing the criteria below it should help you and the QIT better plan and support your project.
Specific
The goal should target a specific area of improvement or answer a specific need
Measurable
The goal must be quantifiable, or at least allow for measurable progress
Attainable
The goal should be realistic, based on available resources and existing constraints
Relevant
The goal should align with other critical care or Health Board objectives to be considered worthwhile
Time-bound
The goal must have a deadline or defined end
In addition, consider what tools you might use, such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycling.
Any questions please just ask any of the QI team.
