Keys to QI training success

Quality improvement (QI) aims to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall quality of healthcare services. It’s a process which involves both staff and patients to apply specific methods, tools, and data-driven analysis to identify and address complex problems within the healthcare system. So, it requires a proper QI training to train staff on how to use these methods and tools properly to make significant improvements.

This article delves into the key components that contribute to the success of advanced Quality Improvement training initiatives, guiding you through the importance of such programs and designing effective training structures.

The goal of QI training

The goal of a quality improvement training is to equip both staff and patients with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively utilise these QI methods and tools. In the healthcare environment, like in many UK hospitals, QI trainings are usually held by dedicated QI teams or staff members, who possess the expertise to guide healthcare professionals and patients through the intricacies of quality improvement.

The JSI suggests 1 trainer for every 8-10 participants for a successful in-person training session. They emphasise the importance of organising these sessions to be participant-centred and filled with experimental learning techniques to help attendees get familiar with the QI functions and best practices. They also recommend interactive exercises and field visits as part of the QI training to translate the new knowledge in practice.

However, the journey from training to tangible improvements is not always straightforward. Healthcare organisations are inherently complex, with numerous competing demands, constraints, and stakeholder interests that can pose significant challenges to the implementation of QI initiatives.

Developing a theory of change

To better understand and navigate this complexity of healthcare settings, we recommend developing a theory of change. The Theory of Change is a “tool that sets out how a transformation programme, intervention or policy can deliver intended change by describing relationships between inputs, activities, outcomes and impacts”. It’s a visual representation that outlines the specific activities, conditions, and expected outcomes necessary for the training to have a meaningful impact on healthcare services.

A very good example comes from the team at King's College Hospital who developed a comprehensive theory of change for their QI training program. It involved a collaborative process, drawing insights from workshops and interviews with both hospital staff and patients. By incorporating diverse perspectives, the team was able to create a nuanced and well-rounded understanding of the factors that contribute to the success or failure of QI training initiatives.

Source: King's College Hospital

The iterative process of testing and refining the theory of change diagram ensured that it accurately reflected the experiences and viewpoints of all stakeholders involved. This attention to detail and commitment to a comprehensive approach is essential in navigating the complex landscape of healthcare quality improvement.

By establishing a clear and evidence-based theory of change, the team at King's College Hospital has laid the groundwork for more effective implementation and evaluation of their QI training program. This foundational work can serve as a valuable blueprint for other healthcare organizations seeking to enhance the impact of their own quality improvement efforts.

Key aspects to focus on for a successful QI training

We’ve already explained the importance of size of the training groups to run a beneficial in-person session. But there are additional activities and conditions that are necessary for a QI training to be effective.

1. Active support from leaders

One of the most commonly mentioned factors according to the King’s College Hospital is the understanding and active support from leaders regarding QI. Leaders are crucial in fostering an environment where staff and patients feel safe, supported, and empowered to contribute ideas and implement changes. They also ensure that staff have dedicated time for QI activities.

2. Clear communication about QI (avoiding jargon)

Using a clear and concise language ensures that all trainees fully understand the purpose and goals of the QI training. By using understandable terminology and avoiding excessive jargon, trainers can create more accessible materials such as presentations, and training modules which aid in disseminating important information to diverse audiences. Furthermore, engaging communication strategies, such as storytelling or interactive workshops help to make trainees active participants of the training session.

3. Making everyone’s voice heard

To maximise the success of a QI training or project, it is essential to create channels for open communication, provide opportunities for feedback and brainstorming sessions. Active participation from all participants fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ultimately leading to more effective QI efforts that address diverse needs and concerns.

4. Making training accessible

In order to facilitate effective learning, it’s important to make training and support as accessible as possible. We recommend providing to staff and patients comprehensive resources online or through mobile applications and offering a channel where they can get ongoing support to address any queries or challenges that may arise.

5. Software for QI training

Finding effective ways of teaching and learning QI can still be tricky. But enabling training to go further than the classroom with remote tools that make a real difference is now a reality. Life QI allows you not to lose focus after the training session and to nurture an efficient learning culture by sharing best practice.

A very good example comes from the Health Quality and Safety Commission in New Zealand who implemented a national QI training programme with Life QI.

By implementing Life QI the team got access to an in-built QI methodology which supports the trainees’ journey and when putting the learning into practice. Our web-based platform allowed trainees nationally to collaborate on projects and get further assistance from their trainer if required.

For more details read our case study.

Also the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) - an educational and training body, and a special health board within NHS Scotland - introduced Life QI as part of their Scottish Quality & Safety Fellowship (SQSF) programme to streamline administration, facilitate peer-to-peer sharing between Fellows and make it easier for the faculty to monitor progress of Fellows’ projects.

By implementing Life QI, they had the possibility to bring the whole team together in a cohort group where they could share any useful information, ideas, files and feedback in the discussion threads. And for the Faculty it gave real-time access to monitor data and progress on the projects and identify areas that require extra support.

Read the full case study.

Are you thinking about implementing a QI training program? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly Life QI team to learn more about how we can support you on this journey.