Insights and Reflections

Improvement Science in Action (ISIA) for Primary Care

Commencing on February 29, 2024, Improvement Science in Action (ISIA) for Primary Care has embarked on an inspiring journey to empower PHN staff with the knowledge and skills to drive primary care transformation. Led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and Prestantia Health Faculty, this 8-month virtual training program focuses on building capabilities in applying evidence-based quality improvement methods.

The ISIA for Primary Care curriculum is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of essential topics in healthcare improvement. This includes mastering systems thinking, establishing effective teams, setting clear and achievable goals, using tools to deeply understand current practices, and honing the skills of idea generation and testing changes. Through a structured and comprehensive approach, participants are equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of facilitating improvement within the primary care environment. The program structure involves four virtual workshops, strategically blending concise lectures with engaging group exercises. These workshops are designed to encourage active participation, foster collaboration among participants, and facilitate the exchange of ideas. Additionally, regular action period calls provide an opportunity for ongoing learning, feedback, and shared experiences. Ultimately, the goal is to not only enhance individual capabilities but also to cultivate a network of change agents committed to elevating the quality of primary care.

The response to ISIA for Primary Care has been nothing short of enthusiastic, with 61 participants from across the 31 PHNs actively involved. Their eagerness to embrace these learning opportunities demonstrates a shared commitment to driving meaningful change in primary care.

Highlights from the program so far:

Attendance

Note: Participants have been strongly encouraged to attend the in-person sessions to take advantage of interactive breakout sessions. Plenary discussions are recorded and made available to participants on the LMS post session.

Workshop 1 Participant Survey Results

Note: Survey results for Workshop 1 are positive with opportunity identified to support participants to utilise concepts and tools for creating positive change in their work.

Pre-Program QI Capability Self – Assessment

Note: The pre-program QI capability self-assessment results indicate variation in QI knowledge and skill across participants. The greatest area of collective opportunity for improvement is in supporting change with data.

Next Steps

The next steps for participants in the ISIA for Primary Care program is to select their projects, partnering with a practice or practice team, defining their project aim and using QI tools to understand the current state of practice and experience. The upcoming workshop, scheduled for April 23, 2024, will cover content on creating a theory of change, facilitating teams on decision-making, and establishing a family of measures to guide improvement. The workshop will also provide a platform for participants to further develop and receive guidance from peers on their project plans. This pivotal workshop aims to set the stage for participants to translate their learning into real-world improvements within their respective primary care settings.