A quality improvement (QI) project usually starts with an idea or a problem that you would like to solve. If you are starting with a problem, it is important to get to the root-cause.

You can be then be sure that any changes will make the difference you want to see.

Try using the '5 whys' to get to the root-cause of a problem.

When it comes to making an improvement, it is really helpful to start with the three fundamental questions from the Model for Improvement:

1. What are we trying to accomplish?

2. How will we know if a change is an improvement?

3. What changes can we make that will result in improvement?

You can get tips on using the Model for Improvement and there are some useful tools in our resources section.

The most important thing you can do is start!

If you have an idea that you would like some support with, or if you have a change project you have been trying to get off the ground, you can submit your idea via the 'change portal'.

We look forward to hearing your ideas.

“If you have a good idea and you can persuade one or two colleagues to be supportive then go for it!

Not every great idea will turn out to be the next revolutionary step in healthcare delivery and some may fail even before they start but it’s the learning and confidence we get from trying that’s so very important.

So why not start something just in case it’s a success, rather than not starting in case it fails, you never know where it will take you.”
SUZANNE RANKIN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, 2015