G416(P) A simple cost-free initiative to promote a culture of excellence, quality improvement and patient safety

Abstract

Introduction We work in a large paediatric hospital with a high level of clinical acuity providing both tertiary and quaternary care. Shift based working; transitional staffing groups and high service demand posed a challenge to longitudinal team learning to promote a culture of excellence, patient safety and quality improvement within the department. To counter this challenge we developed a simple cost free initiative to enhance team learning. Our key aims were to: Inspire team learning and reinforce team working Promote evidence–based practice Promote a culture of quality improvement and patient safety, highlighting local and national initiatives applicable to our daily work. Methods From October 2017 we sent out weekly learning point emails to the core team of the Acute Receiving Unit at our hospital (Consultants, Senior Nursing Staff, Paediatric ST1–8, GPST and FY trainees). We evaluated our intervention using an electronic survey after 4 months. We analysed open question responses according to emergent themes in the context of our aims. Results/discussion Overall there were 17 respondents out of 24 (response rate 70%). Some respondents partially completed the questionnaire. 16 out of 17 read the learning points in a typical week, and 14 out of 14 would recommend reading them to a colleague. 13 out of 14 had changed their clinical practice based on the learning points. Themes identified amongst open question responses indicated key benefits including: improved team spirit, quality improvement, patient safety, practical knowledge, help with trouble-shooting, continuous professional development, and applicability. Conclusion For our department, weekly learning point emails were successful in facilitating changes in practice to promote patient safety and quality improvement. This is a simple cost-free initiative which can be applied to any department to creative positive change.