HQIP calls for views on QI training and learning

11 November 2011

HQIP today launched a ‘call for views' on its position paper entitled ‘Training and learning in QI: what should be done?', the second in a recently-launched series of position papers, as part of HQIP's four-point quality improvement strategy. The training paper aims to generate a constructive debate on the following question: does the UK need to have a defined generic healthcare QI course structure, the content of which needs to be defined, and the quality of which needs to be assured?

• Download the position paper here>>
• Give your views via the online survey here>>

"Quality Improvement approaches are used in healthcare in the UK every day, both by specialist QI staff working in audit, patient safety, and clinical dashboards for example, as well as by clinicians and clinical managers working to improve the care they provide," explained HQIP Chief Executive Robin Burgess.  "Still, there is no recognised system of qualification to use QI methods, manage QI functions or work full-time in quality improvement. The lack of a formalised system may reflect the fact that QI roles are themselves not formalised. Typically people either manage various types of QI as part of broader healthcare roles, practice one element of it (patient safety/audit) or try to instigate QI as part of clinical leadership roles."

Burgess added: "HQIP believes there should be national agreement on a qualification or the specific learning content needed to work in substantive QI roles or to have managerial responsibility for QI.  Without this, there is surely the risk that the impact of QI activity could be blunted and its practice ineffective?  We want to hear from colleagues their views on the topic so that we can agree and move forward on the problem, the solution and importantly towards a more detailed learning architecture."

HQIP have set up an online survey to collect views on this paper and anyone who would like to be involved in the development of a national system has the opportunity to register their interest.  This debate is also live on the National Clinical Audit Forum.