Meet Katie Robinson - Clinical Educator at the ACHS Improvement Academy

Welcome to our Staff Spotlight where we introduce our great team members who work tirelessly to support ACHS Members and the broader healthcare community.

In this edition, we learn more about Katie Robinson who is a Clinical Educator at the ACHS Improvement Academy. 
 

1. Tell us about your journey with ACHS 

I first encountered ACHS as a clinician when my health service was undergoing accreditation. That experience sparked my interest, leading me to enrol in several courses with the ACHS Improvement Academy. 

I subsequently participated in the Quality Improvement Lead (QIL) Program, where I developed a passion for improvement science. The following year, I was invited back to share my project with the new cohort, which was a rewarding experience. 

Over the next few years, I continued to build my knowledge and skills in quality improvement. Eventually, I reconnected with the ACHS Improvement Academy by teaching a short course on quality improvement, which paved the way for the opportunity to join the team full-time this year.  
 

2. How does your role support ACHS Members? 

My role supports Members by providing training and support on essential skills for clinical governance and service improvement. Members tell us what they need, and we work to make sure the courses we offer deliver on those topics. I also help facilitate the ACHS Masterclasses, which connect Members with key thought leaders in quality and safety. 

3. What do you find most rewarding about working in the healthcare sector?  

I have been a nurturer for as long as anyone in my family can remember, so it was no surprise that I would go into the care business. The most rewarding part for me is being able to make a real difference - providing support to someone during a difficult time or helping to improve their situation.  

I’ve always believed in the philosophy that prevention is better than cure, which led me to transition from acute care into primary and public health, where I felt I could have a greater impact. 

4. Describe an interesting project that you have worked on

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on at ACHS is the Quality Improvement Lead (QIL) Program. This initiative supports dozens of projects across the country, addressing various healthcare challenges. We focus on hybrid delivery models, peer learning, and coaching, while building a community of improvement leaders. Each year, this work culminates in a graduation ceremony where we celebrate the participants' achievements and share their work in the Project Summaries booklet. 

5. What comes to mind when you think of healthcare quality improvement? 

For me, healthcare quality improvement is everything. Patients and families are often having their worst days, and we need to be constantly improving so we can make those days a little easier for everyone - patients, families and ourselves (because we’re human too). When we have the mindset that we have two jobs - to care and to improve – everyone wins.  
 

6. What is a recent positive or memorable interaction you have had with a Member? 

My favourite experiences often come from working with participants in the QIL Program. Recently, I received a call from a participant, and she shared how the course has changed her practice, her vocabulary and her confidence in her role as a Quality Manger.  

I remember what it felt like to be a new Quality Manager and how daunting the journey seemed. Hearing from her how that journey didn't seem so scary anymore was incredibly rewarding. Of course, the icing on the cake is a little bit of pride for knowing I had a part in that journey, and I get to do it again tomorrow. 

7. Which healthcare figure or organisation most inspires you?   

That’s a hard one, especially just picking one! I love following The Human Stream for some fascinating and sometimes controversial perspectives on patient safety and improvement. ACHS' mission to inspire excellence in healthcare combined with my own experiences here, motivated me to join the organisation.

Two individuals that stick with me are Dr Andrew Hallahan and Dr John Wakefield. Early in my quality career, they were the ones who ignited my passion for safety and improvement. Both of them have gone on to build this safety culture on bigger platforms. Their influence has stayed with me throughout my journey.  

8. How do you practice self-care?  

I am a queen of self-care these days. I absolutely love two extremes, the ocean and the red dirt – spending time in either is at the top of my list.  

Travelling and learning new cultures (and food) is an obsession with my partner which is something that recharges us both. We have two dogs who are constantly demanding walks and attention. They just melt your troubles away with a wag of the tail! My last two non-negotiables are sleep hygiene and staying active. I love going on walks, pilates and lifting heavy things. 

9. What healthcare topic most interests you?  

There will be no surprise that Improvement and patient safety topics are right up there!  I am also passionate about modern leadership styles and psychological safety.  

I am intrigued by the application and growth of Artificial Intelligence. One of the things we hear again and again is that there is so much admin in clinicians' roles, and I am hopeful for what AI may be able to do to lighten the load. Also, the application in remote and rural areas has incredible potential. 
 

Thank you, Katie, for sharing your insights and experience with us. We look forward to bringing you further Staff Spotlight articles in the future and showcasing the incredible talent that we foster at ACHS.