Quality Improvement (QI)

What is QI?

Quality Improvement (QI) is a systematic approach to improving patient safety, outcomes and experience. It involves understanding problems using data, testing changes and measuring their impact using established QI methods, such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.

Why get involved in QI?

QI is an important part of clinical practice and provides opportunities to improve patient care while developing skills in leadership, collaborative working, use of data and understanding healthcare systems.

QI also forms part of the RCPsych Core and Higher Psychiatry training curricula, with resident doctors expected to demonstrate appropriate training and involvement in QI during their foundation/GP/specialist training.

How to get involved

There are several ways trainees can access QI training and support:

• QI training:  Dr QI is the Trust's QI training for trainees and Trust grade doctors, covering introduction to QI and step-by-step guide to undertaking QI projects. Training dates: 11 September 2026, hybrid session, Highbury hospital 9.30am to 12.30pm and February 2027 To Be Confirmed.  
• 1:1 QI project support: Trainees can access individual support with developing and progressing a QI project. A one-to-one QI project supervision appointment with Dr Deepa Bagepalli Krishnan (Medical QI Lead) can be booked by contacting qualityimprovement@nottshc.nhs.uk.
• QI Special Interest for Higher Trainees: Higher Trainees can undertake a QI Special Interest, providing opportunities to develop experience in QI leadership, training and coaching others in QI. Contact qualityimprovement@nottshc.nhs.uk for further details.

Register your QI project on AMaT

To register your project, please access AMaT from the NottsHC shortcuts on your desktop and complete registration.

Visit the QI Hub on Connect for QI resources, to book training and to access QI project/registration support.