Your Gateway to Quality Improvement in Primary Care

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What is Quality Improvement (QI)?  

Quality Improvement (QI) in Derbyshire primary care offers a structured approach to evaluating and enhancing our practices in general practice. It encourages us to examine both large and small aspects of our work through a fresh perspective to identify areas for improvement. 

It involves: 

  • Values: Self-reflection, shared learning, partnership, leadership, and understanding of context. 
  • Methods: Measurement, understanding variation, and cyclical improvement processes like the PDSA cycle. 

The PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle

PDSA QI Graphic .png (277 KB)

 

Impact of QI Fellowships on Practices, Staff, and Patients in Derbyshire 

In Derbyshire, we’ve seen first-hand how Quality Improvement (QI) work is making a real difference across practices, for staff and for patients. From improving patient care and boosting staff wellbeing, to reducing GP turnover and building leadership and confidence, the impact is both wide-reaching and deeply meaningful. 

- The data and insights shared here are drawn from a recent impact study completed in June 2025 as part of the GPTF Fellowship Programme evaluation in Derbyshire. 

GP Turnover Dropped by Over 50% 

GP leaving rates fell from 12.5% in 2023 to just 5.8% in 2025, showing the Fellowship programme’s role in improving retention. 

2 in 3 Fellows Saw Direct Patient Care   

Improvements Projects led to better access, reduced hospital admissions, and tailored care—especially in areas like respiratory medicine and care homes. 

67% More Likely to Pursue Leadership Roles    

The programme boosted confidence and ambition, encouraging more professionals to step into system-level and leadership positions 

Every Fellow Gained New Skills   

All respondents reported improved understanding of the NHS, with two-thirds gaining project management and leadership skills. 

Getting Started with Your QI Project 

If you're thinking about starting your own Quality Improvement (QI) project, our QI Portal is your one-stop resource for everything you need to succeed. From practical tools and templates to expert guidance and inspiring case studies. 

 Whether you're new to QI or looking to build on previous work, the portal offers: 

Getting Started with QI Tools 

Learn how to embed QI methods into everyday practice with simple, effective tools. 

 Measuring What Matters

Discover how to collect and interpret data to track your progress and demonstrate impact.

Engaging Stakeholders

Find out how to identify and involve the right people to support your project’s success. 

Tackling Bias and Inequality

Explore how to recognise and address bias in healthcare improvement work.

Using Observation in PDSA Cycles

Learn how observational methods can strengthen your Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.

Join the QI Portal 

Celebrating Derbyshire’s Rising Stars  

We’re proud to recognise three outstanding clinicians whose work has earned national acclaim:  

Dr Jane Packer  

Winner of 1st place at the Early Career GP Conference for her pilot study on Chronic Pain Cafés in Belper PCN. Her project reduced GP contacts by 28% and social prescriber referrals by 57%, while creating a space for patients to connect, learn, and feel heard. The initiative is now expanding across the region.   

Download Here

 Dr Lucy Bradley  

Awarded 2nd place for her trailblazing work on GP co-location within the substance use service in Ripley. Her weekly clinic reached patients who hadn’t seen a GP in over a year, addressed unmet health needs, and delivered holistic care in a trusted setting. Early outcomes show 100% of patients received medication reviews and 73% required further investigation.  

Download Here

Dr Sally Giovanelli   

Selected to present her Fellowship project at the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Brighton this September. Her work on lifestyle medicine has produced accessible resources that empower patients to take control of their health—demonstrating Derbyshire’s leadership in preventative care.  

Download Here

Explore our full list of Quality Improvement projects delivered across Derbyshire, showcasing the creativity, impact, and dedication of local teams working to improve care for patients and staff. 

You can browse the QI Projects for Fellowships booklet by clicking through the pages or using the left/right arrows on your keyboard.

Need a closer look? Use the icons on the right-hand side to zoom in/out, expand to full screen, and more. If you'd like to skip to a certain page, please see the table of contents tab on the right hand side control panel

Prefer to read offline? Download a PDF version on the right hand side control panel.

If you require any support, we are always listening. Please do get in touch by email: ddlmc.thehubplus@nhs.net or by phone: 07883 328933.

The Hub Plus - Supporting our General Practice family on their Primary Care journey.

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