As part of the National Framework for Critical Care Nurse Education, nurses complete a quality improvement project during what is known as their ‘Step 4 course’.
This year, projects have focused on delivering greater value for patients. Nursing teams across all sites have worked collaboratively to identify ways to preserve resources while maintaining and ultimately improving patient experience. Their work has predominantly focused on the better use of resources and reducing unnecessary intravenous administration.
The focus on intravenous drug administration has highlighted not only the financial implications, but also the wider impact on patient care. Reducing unnecessary intravenous administration can help lower the risk of infection and medication errors, while recognising that intravenous administration does not always improve the desired outcome for patients. The projects have also considered the impact on nursing time, workload and wider sustainability issues.
These projects demonstrate that achieving true value for patients means looking beyond cost alone and considering the wider impact on patient safety, experience and quality of care. The nurses involved have shown exceptional commitment, insight and professionalism throughout this work. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been remarkable, and the quality of the projects reflects the care and effort that has gone into them. This important work will help shape future improvement across the service.
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