QI In Action: Our Data Drives our Care
This week we shine a spotlight on the Quality Improvement Lead (QIL) Program project undertaken by Ms Lucy Lehane, Clinical Governance & Continuous Improvement Manager, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
This week we shine a spotlight on the Quality Improvement Lead (QIL) Program 2021 project undertaken by Ms Lucy Lehane, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
Background
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has established robust systems for collecting quality and safety data. Despite this, frontline staff lacked regular, easy access to unit-specific data, which hampered their ability to engage in continuous quality improvement. This project aimed to ensure that 100% of staff on a surgical unit had access to quality data and be empowered to engage in quality improvement activities.
Project Summary - Towards Data Driven Care
Transparency in performance metrics and clinician engagement in monitoring safety and quality systems are crucial for delivering safe, high-quality healthcare. Highly reliable organisations regularly display key quality measures, and clinician-driven quality improvement initiatives tend to be more effective than those driven by management. For example, the Scottish National Health Service’s Box Score initiative, which displays quality performance measures on unit-level boards, has led to a reduction in falls, improved staff satisfaction, and a 15% decrease in cost per patient.
To establish a baseline, 20 staff members on the unit were surveyed and the results revealed that only 15% were informed of monthly unit-specific quality data, 30% understood the quality improvement process, and 25% were aware of ongoing improvement activities. The Quality Activity Register were analysed, showing that while the unit was in the 60th percentile for initiated activities, only three staff members had participated in these projects.
Strategy for Effective Data Utilisation
The project team, consisting of quality team members and ward staff with executive sponsorship from the Director of Operations, began by mapping the current process for disseminating quality data. A brainstorming session identified key issues, leading to the development of a report containing meaningful and useful unit-specific quality data for presentation at monthly unit meetings.
With the existing platform, a quality report was developed and refined based on unit team feedback. Early versions contained too much data, so a streamlined report featuring monthly numbers of pressure injuries, falls, infections, and medication incidents was created for monthly meetings. Quality champions for each clinical risk was nominated on the unit to spearhead these initiatives.
Project Results – An Opportunity for Reflection and Improved Data Confidence Among Staff
It was anticipated that when staff surveys are repeated at six and 12 months, there would be a significant increase in confidence and capability in quality improvement and in the number of improvement projects entered into the Quality Activity Register. A decline in clinical incidents was also expected.
This project confirmed that clinicians are eager to access unit-specific quality data to drive improvements in patient care. The process of developing a tailored quality report also highlighted the limitations of current incident and feedback platforms, underscoring the need for continuous improvement in data systems to support frontline staff effectively.
Up to date, the project has progressed, and the organisation are working on Board to Ward e- dashboards for quality and safety data.
Explore projects from QIL Program Graduates
You can read more projects like this in the QIL Projects Summary booklet undertaken by QIL 2021-2023 participants over the course of our 9-month program.
The booklet contains summaries of real work-based improvement projects across various healthcare categories including acute healthcare, community, drug and alcohol services, partnering with consumers and more.
The Project Summaries 2021-2023 booklet is available for viewing here.
