An introduction to quality improvement in paediatrics and child health

Abstract

Quality improvement is a focus on changing the way in which patient care is delivered. Central to this is developing a more rounded, patientfocused approach to the design and delivery of care. Here, in the first of a series, we introduce the concepts of quality improvement, explain why quality improvement should matter to paediatricians and give some pointers as to where and how paediatricians can learn and do more.

Delivering quality improvement: the need to believe it is necessary

“…However, fully embracing a quality improvement culture has not occurred across all child health services and there is much still to be done to improve outcomes for children and young people. Education and Practice has begun to publish a series of articles on quality improvement, called the Equipped series 44. It is hoped that the uptake of the ideas generated by organisations, departments, senior and junior staff will support improvements to the quality of care for children in an evolving, sustainable way.…”

The Royal College of Physician’s Quality Improvement Hub – how can it help physicians to improve patient care?

“…Quality improvement is about unceasingly seeking excellence through the patient journey. 21 There are many approaches to quality improvement including: 24 1. structured educational programmes, eg workshops and seminars 2. experiential learning, eg regular short meetings, action learning sets, mentoring to ensure success via problem shooting 3. multi-professional learning, eg managers and clinicians working together to gain perspectives on each other's work in guiding quality improvement.…”

“…15,19,20 Box 2 summarises the scope of 'quality' with respect to patient care and the mix of approaches that will support physicians and their teams to improve whatever aspect of quality is in need of improvement. [21][22][23][24][25]…”

Equipped: overcoming barriers to change to improve quality of care (theories of change)

“…Lemer et al 7 provided a basic introduction to the concept of how we define quality in the first of the EQUIPPED series. Quality is a dynamic concept involving continual improvement, which aims to achieve the outcomes desired and required by the person receiving care.…”