The Kings Fund's Improving quality in the English NHS: A strategy for action is a landmark report that the NHS in England should take very seriously. Here at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) we particularly welcome the emphasis on a systematic approach to improving quality of care.
The report has opened up a necessary debate; addressing issues relating to the availability of adequate funding for delivery of services that are fit for purpose, driven by the needs of patients. Importantly, it has also recognised the value in supporting frontline staff, whilst acknowledging that this has not happened consistently or sufficiently in the past.
Patients, clinicians and NHS managers are fundamental in developing new models of and imbedding positive change into our healthcare system. The RCP's Future Hospital Programme is a clear example of this truly collaborative approach. It demonstrates the real improvements that can be made to care, when patients and clinicians work together to lead change rather than using regulation or inspection as the driver.
For years the RCP has been leading clinicians in measuring and improving the quality of patient care through our work with national clinical audits, databases and accreditation programmes. As a result, there have been significant improvements in outcomes for patients with conditions like stroke, lung cancer, hip fractures and COPD.
We are currently playing a very active role in advocating QI and building capacity amongst doctors, other clinicians and care teams. This is something that we hope to continue to build on by supporting the NHS, through the sharing of our extensive knowledge and experience.
We also welcome opportunities to work in collaboration with other interested parties, to drive care improvements that are both patient centred and clinically led. At April's International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, taking place in Gothenburg, the RCP will be presenting on a range of QI topics and areas. We look forward to learning valuable lessons from healthcare and quality improvement professionals from around the world.