Building QI capacity for rheumatology: from the bottom up

Background

Specialty trainee representatives conceived the bi-annual rheumatology Northwest trainee leadership and management series, having identified a need for leadership and management
training. During their 3-year tenure they recognised a need to build capacity in quality improvement (QI) methodology for trainees and consultants.

Methods

In May 2019, a QI workshop brought 35 trainees and consultants together, using established materials. Following delivery of a session which received excellent feedback, the British Society for
Rheumatology (BSR) invited the trainees to convene a day-long QI workshop. Delegates were invited to rate their confidence in using a number of QI tools, and in participating in or leading QI, before and after the course.

Results

The first BSR national practical QI methodology workshop was convened online in March 2021. Specialty trainees designed the course and resources, delivering the content (‘teaching up’),
alongside six faculty members from the MDT. A total of 30 delegates with varying experience (consultants, trainees, pharmacists, nurses and physiotherapists) attended a combination of plenary
and breakout sessions. All 22 survey respondents stated that the course would change their practice and that they would recommend it to colleagues. The most marked improvement was reported in
delegates’ confidence in leading QI. All now felt confident in using the QI tools taught and >50% felt happy to teach others.

Conclusion

Scaling up a programme of work which began as a regional meeting and has progressed to a national course as part of the BSR ‘core education’ offering, we are contributing to embedding a sustainable
culture of QI within rheumatology.