How did you first get involved in improvement, and what has been your journey since then?

My passion for improvement was sparked while working as a nursing safety lead in an acute London trust. I worked on many patient safety incidents but started to get frustrated with the same incidents popping up time and time again. As an antidote to this, I was sent on a study day for an introduction to quality improvement. This was the start of my improvement journey and since then I have never looked back. I booked onto the national quality service improvement and redesign (QSIR) course and learned about how improvement could transform health care. From there I secured my first improvement lead job and have worked both in acute trusts and for the national team. I’m proud to have returned to my passion for improvement, now leading the national QSIR programme with my amazing team.

What most inspires you professionally?

To me kindness has always been at the centre of what I want to do in health care. When I came into health care as a nurse, I really wanted to improve the quality of care for all service users and I was very patient focused.

As time has gone on, my goal has not changed, but I have come to understand the importance of taking the time to be kind to myself and others.

I have been lucky to work with some real experts in this field including Bob Klaber, Dominique Allwood and James Mountford; all of whom have encouraged me to put kindness at the heart of everything that I do.

Can you share a hard-won lesson you’ve learnt about what makes for a successful (or unsuccessful) improvement project?

Building genuine working relationships with stakeholders is essential for any successful quality improvement initiative. I was lucky to be involved in the national vaccination programme, and from that I learned the importance of listening and understanding individuals’ needs and concerns. Everyone is different, and it’s important to take the time to understand everyone’s viewpoint and work with them to achieve the best outcome that works for them. By understanding the people you are serving, and listening to their needs, you can make the right improvements that will have a positive impact on the quality of care. Really listening to your stakeholders and understanding their needs and concerns is essential.

What change could we make that would do most to embed continuous improvement in health and care?

Practical guidance and support to deliver improvement in practice is essential.

Hands-on improvement at the point of care can make real and lasting change.

Adapting and problem-solving using improvement method is such an effective way to improve the patient experience, and health care staff are excellent in these skills. We need to do more to support staff to be able to make the changes that they want and need for their patients using evidence-based models of change.

Why did you join Q?

I wanted to be part of a community that shares my passion and drive to make the quality of care better for our patients. I have met some amazing people through Q and love the ease in which you can reach out and always get a response from others facing similar issues.

What new connections have you made as a result of joining the Q community – and what have you learnt so far?

I have met some really inspiring characters through Q.

It has opened doors to new opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

A few years back I was invited to a patient safety event in London after a Q member reached out from a blog post I had written. It was great to be able to connect with others who shared my views on improvement and wanted to do things differently.

Can you tell us about something you’re currently working on that Q members might be able to get involved with?

There are lots of opportunities to get involved and it is all about being curious. There may be loads of great opportunities in your local system or organisation which you can get involved with. There may be improvement training programmes in your local area and like me you may be able to undertake a QSIR course to start you on your journey. QSIR is a free five-day course and run by NHS providers across the country.

We also have a website with loads of great tools and techniques you can use for free to get you started on your own improvement journey.

Want to learn more about Adam’s work? Get in touch.