A guide to making the case for improvement (The Health Foundation, November 2023)
Summary:
This guide explores the benefits of applying quality improvement (QI) methods in healthcare. QI provides a systematic way to make measurable improvements in the quality of care, and it offers wider benefits as follows:
Benefits for the workforce:
Improved workplace culture of respect, trust, and shared values.
Greater job control, higher satisfaction, and increased staff engagement.
Development of key professional skills in leadership, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Benefits for patients and service users:
Improved access to appointments and services.
Smoother flow between services and reduced waiting times.
Earlier diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary care.
Improved safety and reduction in patient harms.
Improved care experiences through shared decision-making.
Benefits for organisations:
Consistent delivery of safe, high-quality care.
Effective use of resources and cost avoidance.
Efficiency gains and productivity improvements.
Improved staff recruitment, retention, and workforce capacity.
It concludes that a strong case can be made for using QI approaches to transform healthcare services and achieve better outcomes for patients and staff.
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