Improvement Science in Action for Primary Care: A National Milestone in Quality Improvement 

The Improvement Science in Action (ISIA) for Primary Care program was developed and delivered by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in partnership with Prestantia Health, who were commissioned by the Primary Health Network National Improvement Network Collaborative to create a landmark Quality Improvement (QI) training initiative for Primary Health Network (PHN) staff. Conducted from February to September 2024, this program aimed to standardize QI language and practices across all 31 PHNs while building the capacity for sustainable QI efforts in primary care.

The training featured four virtual workshops delivered over five half-day sessions, providing up to two invited staff members from each PHN with a comprehensive exploration of improvement science. To support practical application, the workshops were complemented by four action period calls, offering ongoing guidance as participants translated their learning into real-world projects. Collaborating with local primary care practices, participants utilized Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to implement initiatives, collecting outcome and process data to drive measurable improvements in care quality.

Results and Impact

The program exceeded expectations, setting a national standard for QI in primary care reform:

These outcomes lay the foundation for long-term advancements in patient outcomes and care quality across the primary care sector.

Creating a Legacy

To ensure the program’s impact continues, all ISIA-related intellectual property developed by IHI has been licensed to NINCo for non-commercial use until September 18, 2026. This allows PHNs to leverage the program’s resources and tools for ongoing QI efforts.

Introducing ISIA Champions and the Community of Practice

Graduates of the ISIA for Primary Care program, now recognized as ISIA Champions, will drive the next phase of QI leadership. A Community of Practice (CoP) will be established to sustain momentum and foster collaboration. This network will enable Champions to:

By empowering these QI leaders, the ISIA for Primary Care program ensures its legacy extends far beyond its initial implementation, driving continuous improvement and transforming primary health care.

For more information about the ISIA for Primary Care program and its impact on primary care transformation, contact ninco@gcphn.com.au. Let’s work together to sustain the momentum of quality improvement!