Learn how to complete a quality improvement project in your workplace

Quality improvement (QI) is a practical, structured approach to making care processes work better. It uses proven methods to identify problems, test small changes, measure results, and learn what works.

This practical four-month course is suitable for all healthcare professionals and staff working across the health service. Guided by experienced QI faculty, you will learn how to apply the Model for Improvement to a small, focused improvement project in your own setting.

Throughout the programme, you will develop and test ideas, gather and review data, and learn from your experiences alongside a supportive group of peers.

By focusing on a local issue that matters to you, you will gain practical experience of quality improvement methods and build confidence in leading future improvement work.

You will learn how to:

Identify opportunities for improvement in your local setting.

Apply quality improvement tools and techniques to a focused improvement project.

Plan, test and evaluate small-scale changes in practice.

Measure and interpret data to understand whether changes are leading to improvement.

Share learning and engage stakeholders throughout an improvement journey.

It was well balanced and most inspiring for me to have learned the methodology that could be used to improve the most simplest things we take for granted in everyday life to trying to tackle the things we may feel are daunting. If you are passionate about and love what you do and are keen to make a difference, then you’ve chosen the right course. It certainly is the most pragmatic and free-spirited course with a fair amount of learning thrown in for great measure and it has truly been a gift that will keep on giving to me long after my having completed it."

Dr Heera-Gauvri Bhagat, Med Doc Locum GP

What to expect

When you enrol in the Quality Improvement in Action course, you'll gain access to the course platform and materials four weeks before the first session. As part of your preparation, we ask all participants to complete our online Fundamentals of Quality Improvement module (1 CPD credit) as pre-course work.

The course is delivered virtually via Zoom across four mandatory sessions.

Full attendance at all four sessions is required to receive your certificate and CPD credits.

• Two full-day sessions (6 hours each)

• Two half-day sessions (3.5 hours each)

 How the Course Works:

The sessions are interactive and practical, led by experienced Quality Improvement (QI) faculty. Alongside the live sessions, you will apply the learning to a small-scale improvement project in your own setting.

Between sessions, you will be encouraged to:

Continue developing your project using the QIA Workbook and course resources.

Engage with stakeholders and gather information about the problem you are exploring.

Test and evaluate small changes using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.

Collect and review data to understand whether changes are leading to improvement.

Share your progress, challenges and learning with peers and faculty.

During the programme, you will have opportunities to present your project progress and receive supportive feedback and coaching from fellow participants.

Participants are also invited to contribute presentations or posters to the RCPI QI Sharing Hub.

Is this course for you?

Yes, if you work in any area of healthcare, whether in hospitals, community services, administration, or general practice.

Whether you want to improve patient experience, enhance safety, reduce delays, improve communication, or streamline everyday processes, this course will help you take a structured approach to improvement.

You do not need previous experience in quality improvement. The programme is designed to help you get started with one small, meaningful improvement at a time.

Course Dates 

Payment options

The cost is €695.00 per person and payment is required in full and in advance to secure your place. Please note: if you cancel 30 days or less you are not eligible for a refund. More than 30 days full refund minus a 10% administration fee.

We're happy to send an invoice to your employer.

To arrange an invoice please contact the QI Team by email: qualityimprovement@rcpi.ie

Project Ideas

Examples of suitable projects include improving documentation, increasing completion of checklists, reducing delays in a specific step of a patient pathway, improving communication processes, or enhancing patient or staff experience in a local area of practice. Projects are expected to be small in scope and achievable within the duration of the programme.