National Cardiac Audit Programme (NCAP) Quality Improvement workshop

The aim of the event was to invite readers of the report- clinical and non-clinical- to gain a better understanding of the NCAP, how it’s put together, see examples of how data can be used to inform change, take away some practical tools to support change and find inspiration to go back and initiate quality improvement projects.

Session 1 part 1: Introduction

Professor Mike Roberts, Managing Director of UCLPartners

A brief introduction, setting the context and aims for the day. Mike provides an overview of national audit and change from data collection to improvement and the importance of using data for improvement and how improvement is everyone’s business.

Session 1 part 2: Overview of the NCAP audits

Professor Mark de Belder, Chair of NCAP Operational and Methodology Group and consultant cardiologist.

• Overview of the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR), who host NCAP
• Data quality and completeness
• Old way of doing reports and feeding NHS choices, and examples of ‘national state of the art’
• New reports, new format and examples and how the audit team will support this change
• Public reporting
• Need for timely downloads, new tools to help validation and for centres to see their own data

Session 1 part 3: Q&A

Professor de Belder answers questions from the audience.

Session 1 part 4: Using patient experience to improve quality of care 

Louise Gillard, Patient representative, who was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta at the age of 23, gives a powerful talk about her experience of being a cardiology patient, and how research and quality improvement has impacted her life as a patient.

Session 2 part 1 Using data to improve your service

Professor Mike Roberts, Managing Director UCLPartners:

• Why we need data, what we can use data for, and the most useful types of data
• What makes data and audit more effective
• Overview and interpretation of run charts

Session 2 part 2: Importance of making change

Dr Peter Wilkinson, Consultant Cardiologist on the importance of making change, not just collecting data.

• Difference between QI and audit.
• Why it’s important to not just know what the problems are, but how to invest in finding solutions.
• What we need to make improvement.

Session 3 part 1: Building a QI team

Professor Mike Roberts, Managing Director UCLPartners on building a team for Quality Improvement

• Why engage others in QI and how to build a team for QI
• What is Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), and what it isn’t
• Engagement ideas

Session 3, part 2

• Developing a QI aim
• Create a Driver diagram for your improvement project

Session 3, part 3: Testing change through PDSA cycle