Data-driven quality improvement in child health

Quality improvement (QI) is a systematic and co-ordinated approach to solving a problem (Quality improvement made simple. The Health Foundation, 2021) and is used to improve safety, effectiveness, and experience of care within healthcare. The approach to QI should be pro-active and patient centred. Within paediatrics this requires us to consider the voice of children and young people when designing improvement to ensure we are meeting their needs. Understanding the key principles and methodology of QI is essential to ensure success when bringing about change. However, formal training in this has been limited and variable amongst doctors in training. The use of data underlies every stage of QI from considering the problem, to the measurement of improvement. With the appropriate use of both quantitative and qualitative data being instrumental in bringing about meaningful change. This article highlights provides some helpful background for those considering their next QI project. It stresses the importance of undertaking data driven improvement, whilst also detailing best practise and challenges, particularly in relation to children and young people. It provides a practical guide on how to use data effectively within QI in a structured approach.