Quality and Safety Improvement Research Group
Healthcare safety remains a critical global issue. Despite worldwide efforts, unaddressed systemic and cultural problems continue to cause preventable harm (World Health Organisation, 2018, 2021). The Quality and Safety Improvement Research Group is dedicated to tackling this challenge.
We focus on a broad spectrum of safety concerns, prioritising areas with the most significant impact, such as preventing "never events" (Tingle, 2018), ensuring adequate staffing levels (McHugh et al., 2021), and minimising medication errors (Alqenae et al., 2020).
Our research approach emphasises collaboration with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and commissioners. We conduct high-quality applied research to strengthen the evidence base for improving quality and safety and translate those findings into practical solutions. This means developing actionable strategies that demonstrably improve both patient outcomes and healthcare processes.
We employ a range of methodologies, including Human Factors Ergonomics, safety science, improvement science, and implementation science. In addition, we actively pursue Knowledge Exchange to foster innovation and generate practical solutions for enhancing healthcare quality and safety.
Our research directly aligns with major strategic frameworks, including the Global Patient Safety Action Plan (WHO, 2021) and national patient safety strategies (NHS England & NHS Improvement, 2019; Healthcare Improvement Scotland, 2008; NHS Wales and Public Health Wales, 2021).
By acknowledging the evolving complexities of population health needs, demographic shifts, workforce challenges, and technological advancements (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2020), we contribute to continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. This ensures that our research remains relevant and addresses the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Cross-cutting themes
We focus on several cross-cutting themes. These include:
- Workforce development, engagement, and wellbeing
- Digital health and informatics
- Co-production
- Pedagogic innovation and development
Current work
- Completing applications for external funding (NIHR, Health Foundation).
- Undertaking PhD recruitment and development.
- Running a professorial seminar series.
- Recruitment of International Honorary and Visiting professors.
- Producing publications and other outputs.
- Presentations and conference activity
