Why Quality Improvement Often Fails To Work The Value Of Rigour (Shah, 2023)

Shah A. Burlison J.

BMJ Open Quality 2023;12(Supplement 4): A5.

Description Quality improvement is both a science and a mindset. In order to build belief in quality improvement, practitioners need to win hearts, by applying it to reduce preventable suffering and improve meaningful outcomes, and minds, by demonstrating it as a valid method for delivering causal results. The way in which we apply quality improvement is integral to the likelihood of delivering success - and the data and stories from results are what help build belief. This session will summarise the evidence base about the key factors that prevent quality improvement from delivering what it promises - sustained improvements in patient care. We will unpack the scientific elements of quality improvement and outline a framework that will help those engaged in QI strengthen the rigour with which they apply the science. The session will draw on examples from the field and share some of the ways in which we can bring best practices, and relatively underutilised approaches to quality improvement, in order to strengthen and accelerate the delivery of results and learning.