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