Health systems invest in diabetes quality improvement (QI) programmes to reduce the gap between research evidence of optimal care and current care.1 Examples of commonly used QI strategies in diabetes include programmes to measure and report quality of care (ie, audit and feedback initiatives), implementation of clinician and patient education, and reminder systems. A recent systematic review of randomised trials of QI programmes indicates that they can successfully improve quality of diabetes care and patient outcomes.2 Changes in surrogate markers such as blood glucose control, blood pressure or cholesterol levels are used to measure QI intervention effectiveness.2
However, investments in QI strategies are only worthwhile if the programmes that effectively improve care are sustained after trial completion.3. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
England's Chief Inspector of Hospitals has praised Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust was rated as Good overall following an inspection which took place between January and March this year.
The child and adolescent mental health wards were rated Inadequate overall and for safe, responsive and well-led services, and Requires Improvement for caring and effective services.
The concerns primarily focused on West Lane Hospital, it was not delivering safe care. There were substantial and frequent staff shortages and staff did not adequately assess, monitor or manage risks to patients. When patients demonstrated higher levels of risk, staff did not follow processes and procedures to mitigate these through appropriate observation and engagement.
Driving improvement through technology’ includes examples from across health and social care. These range from apps that help people to take more control of their care, to digital systems for sharing care records.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) have made significant improvements to their Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) indicators. They have done some great work to improve equality within their workforce. This is making a real difference in the working environment and the quality of care they provide.