Theme 6 - Service improvement methodologies
- Use an evidence based approach
- Ensure improvements are targeted to those areas most needing change
- Ensure effective use of resources
- Maximise capacity
- Uses a whole systems approach to redesign
What MHIP did
The aim of MHIP was to “enable local communities to develop a whole systems approach to service improvement” (see the Programme Initiation Document). This whole systems approach was a challenge to the pilot sites since, as unlike previous improvement programmes, it took a partnership approach across organisations.
Training was given to pilot sites in service improvement (brief details are given in the programme management theme) . The pilots sites then used service improvement methodologies on an individual basis. Examples of these can be seen by clicking on South Staffs Service Improvement Methodologies and by viewing the implementation plans.
For the purposes of the programme a web based tool named SISTMH (Service Improvement Tool Mental Health) was developed which was used by 2 of the pilot sites although available to all 4. An example of this tool can be found by on www.improvement.nhs.uk. Although the 2 sites who used this tool, and the external evaluation team, found this to be useful, overall it was decided that it could not be integrated effectively in to current practice. It has since been discarded.
The majority of pilot sites found that service improvement methodologies were used most effectively towards the end of the programme once the partnerships had been established.
Useful links
- Clinical systems Improvement
- CSIP Directory of Service Improvement
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement
- Integrated Service Improvement Programme