Implementing a quality improvement programme in a locality mental health service
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

Implementing a quality improvement programme in a locality mental health service

Andrea Davies Clinical psychologist, Coity Clinic, Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, Wales
Wendy James Locality head of nursing, Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, Wales
Lloyd Griffiths Clinical service manager, Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, Wales

Why you should read this article
  • To enhance your knowledge of the methodologies involved in quality improvement (QI)

  • To recognise the potential benefits of embedding a QI approach in healthcare organisations

  • To understand how QI programmes can be implemented successfully in your clinical area

In healthcare, quality improvement (QI) involves organisations and staff aiming to continually improve how they work, quality of care and patient outcomes. In the summer of 2017, a QI programme was endorsed and supported by the clinical director and the head of nursing in the mental health delivery unit of a Welsh health board.

This article describes the process of introducing the QI programme in one of the three locality mental health services in the health board. A QI board was established to oversee the process and provide support, and QI champions were introduced to develop QI skills and capacity among staff across the locality mental health service’s clinical teams. Improvements made by the QI champions during the first 12 months of the programme included: increased accuracy of electronic transfers of care; reduced readmission rates; the co-production of guides to engage ward-based staff; and the creation of digital staff stories. The authors also reflect on the challenges they experienced in introducing the QI programme and make recommendations for organisations and senior nurses for implementing such programmes effectively.

Nursing Management. doi: 10.7748/nm.2020.e1894

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software

Correspondence

andrea.davies@wales.nhs.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Davies A, James W, Griffiths L (2020) Implementing a quality improvement programme in a locality mental health service. Nursing Management. doi: 10/7748/nm.2020.e1894

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Melanie Andrews, Edwin Jones, Kathy Lowe, Hazel Powell and Marie Williams for their work on the quality improvement board, Ffion Evans and Jessica Matthews for their contribution to including service users and carers in the improvement work, Rebecca Thomas for helping to continue this work in 2020 and the staff in Bridgend mental health services for their continued enthusiasm in improving the care we offer

Published online: 23 January 2020

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more