Posted on: 26 November 2024
On 21 November 2024, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) launched an 18-month improvement collaborative to enhance therapeutic observation and engagement across 18 inpatient teams. This collaborative is centred on the use of a Quality Improvement (QI) methodology to foster safer, more effective care environments while enriching the therapeutic experience for service users and staff alike.
Teams on the collaborative will use the Model for Improvement, the Trust's chosen improvement methodology that enables teams to set clear aims, test ideas through Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, and measure the impact of changes. This approach encourages creativity, learning, rapid adaptation and shared learning ensuring solutions are co-designed with the people who deliver and receive care.
Over 18 months, the 18 participating inpatient teams will explore ways to:
- Enhance the quality and consistency of therapeutic observation practices
- Strengthen staff-service user relationships through interventions
- Improve safety outcomes
- Empower staff to lead sustainable improvements
A key component of the collaborative is its emphasis on building skills in the improvement approach. Teams will receive ongoing support from QI coaches and Improvement Advisors to help them develop the skills needed to apply QI tools and methods effectively. Regular learning sets and workshops will provide opportunities for teams to share experiences, celebrate successes and collaboratively problem solve.