Improvement Cymru Academy

Introduction to the principles of improvement. This course will replace the current Bronze IQT award and will be available on a range of platforms in an identical manner to the Bronze award.

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This 1-day course developed in collaboration with Health Education & Improvement Wales (HEIW), builds upon the principles of improvement in the Foundations in Improvement introductory course, with a focus on diagnostic tools to facilitate an understanding of systems, the importance of using data over time as part measurement for improvement and the role of continuous improvement.

This course helps to bridge the gap between Foundations in Improvement and undertaking a project as a part of Improvement in Practice.

Seeks to enable you to complete improvement projects, from setting aims, using measurement for improvement and completing tests of change.

This course consists of 4 modules of classroom learning, culminating in the implementation of a local improvement project.

Seeks to develop staff to support improvement teams undertaking projects in applying improvement methodology.

This 3 day course is delivered over three months with a mixture of classroom and virtual learning.

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This advanced level improvement course is designed to support leaders within organisations to ensure improvement is deployed towards organisational priorities and support national programmes.

Further details on this course are available upon request by emailing improvementcymruacademy@wales.nhs.uk

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Standardisation is the process of making objects or activities of the same type, have the same features or qualities; it is the process of making something standard.

Standardisation also brings innovation. Firstly, because it provides structured methods and reliable data that save time in the innovation process. Secondly, because it makes it easier to disseminate groundbreaking ideas and knowledge about leading edge techniques.

This training course will provide you with an insight to improving standards for your team, organisation, and the service user. The content includes:

• The role of Standardisation in the workplace.
• An overview of the key elements of standardisation.
• The opportunity to apply classroom learning by creating a standard for your own working practise.
• Exploring the benefits of standardisation.

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A Process map captures what, when, where, who and how things happen. It focusses on the process not the people, enabling us to see how a process or system works, which in turn facilitates sustainable improvement.

This training builds on the knowledge gained from the four-day Improvement in Practice (IIP) course by exploring different types of Process Mapping, including:

• Swim Lane Diagrams
• Value Stream Mapping
• SIPOC – Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Output & Customer
• Spaghetti Diagrams

We also explore waste within the system, which helps to identify opportunities for improvement. It’s a simple and comprehensive session that allows for interaction, discussion, and implementation that will provide you with the confidence to facilitate Process Mapping sessions with your teams.

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5S is a collaborative improvement tool consisting of a series of steps that can be used to help create an incrementally streamlined and efficient workplace by removal of waste in processes. 5S works by helping you and your team to collaboratively identify which items are necessary and which aren’t (observing and analysing), organising, cleaning, and setting up procedures for performing these tasks on a regular basis.

This training is an enabler to creating the conditions to deliver your primary goal, safer patient care (a means rather than an end) by having the correct quantity of the required items at the point they are used.

5S also helps to reduce risks related to human factors e.g., inattention/distraction, lack of resources, pressure, etc., which can impact safe patient care.

The 5S methodology is a systematic approach to workplace organisation. This method includes the five steps of:

• Sort (remove what is not needed)
• Set in order (right thing in the right place)
• Shine (keeping the area clean and tidy)
• Standardise (an agreed, consistent process)
• Sustain (continually maintain and improve)

The benefits associated with using 5S methodology in the health and care environment including increased quality and safety, time, and financial savings.

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No, this is not necessary. The Bronze IQT has now been replaced with Foundations in Improvement, and you are welcome to update your knowledge and understanding of Improvement Science by undertaking the Foundations in Improvement course in ESR, but your Bronze IQT remains a valid course to build upon.

Yes: these courses are the same and going forward we will be using the term Improvement in Practice to ensure consistency across our Improvement Series.

This is a conversation you need to have with your line manager and local Improvement Team. If you are new to Improvement Science, then this course will provide a good basis for the Improvement in Practice course. If you have experience in Improvement, then this may not be necessary, hence a conversation with your line manager and your local Improvement Team would be a good starting point.

The Improvement Cymru Academy deliver this course throughout the year. You can email improvementcymruacademy@wales.nhs.uk for further details. Improvement Teams within UHB’s and Trusts also run this course so we would recommend you contacting your local Improvement Team for further information. You will find their contact details on your local intranet site. If you work outside of NHS Wales you can contact the Improvement Cymru Academy via the email address above for further information.

Yes! The course is open to all staff regardless of professions or roles as we all are integral to delivering a quality health & care service. The important pre-requisites are that you have completed at least the Bronze IQT and going forward the new Foundations in Improvement course. In some cases you will need to undertake the Fundamentals of Improvement course before you undertake the Improvement in Practice course, this again is something you need to chat through with your line manager and local Improvement Team.

Your line manager and your local Improvement Team are good sources of information. In addition you can access your local intranet site, and the Improvement Cymru Academy website. To book onto a course please use this online form.

Please note completion of the booking form does not confirm your place on a course, this will follow via email once we have checked all relevant details.

To enquire further email improvementcymruacademy@wales.nhs.uk. Please note to book onto a course a booking form must be completed and returned.

Margaret Rennocks
Academy Lead
margaret.rennocks@wales.nhs.uk

Matthew Thornton
Academy Senior Improvement Manager
matthew.thornton2@wales.nhs.uk

Lee McQuaide
Senior Improvement Manager
lee.mcquaide@wales.nhs.uk

Christine Roach
Self Management Programme Lead
christine.roach@wales.nhs.uk