NEW case study: Optimising doctor rotas to improve safety and efficiency
Published: 06 Jun 2025
As part of Clinical Audit Awareness Week 2025 (2–6 June 2025, #CAAW25), HQIP is pleased to share a new case study from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, highlighting how redesigned junior doctor rotas in critical care improved efficiencies in delivering patient safety, and improved staff wellbeing.
Led by John Dixon, the project involved developing a unified rota across two sites—St Helier ICU and Epsom HDU—following successful accreditation of the HDU by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM).
Key improvements included:
- Rota gaps reduced by 94.4%
- Patient safety incidents decreased by 24.5%
- Junior doctor satisfaction increased from 71.3% to 92.5%
- Cost savings of over £224,000.
Changes were co-designed with doctors, prioritising education, wellbeing, and safe staffing. The case study shows how thoughtful rota design can deliver meaningful efficiencies and safer care.
Click this link to read the case study: Optimisation of resident doctor rotas in critical care – HQIP
Please share this resource on social media using the hashtag #CAAW25, and explore other available #CAAW25 event videos and resources by heading over to the #CAAW25 main page.