Implementing the care aims approach in children's services: A quality improvement pilot study

Stephanie Griffiths, Philippa Large, Teresa Lewis, Angharad Smiriglia, Chantal Thomas, Karen Thomas, Sally Waters-Foster, Lynne Watkins, Sian Willard, Sharon Williams*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background/Aims
Care aims is a population-based, person-centred approach which provides a strategy encompassing the management of a service, informing the population, empowering the workforce around the service user and supporting the person and their family to manage their own lives wherever possible. This pilot study implemented the care aims framework into children's services using quality improvement methods.

Methods
An audit of baseline data identified the referral process as an area for improvement in the service. Quality improvement techniques were used to design and test small cycles of change.

Results
The results of the audit showed up to 25% of ‘requests for help’ received from various referrers were not appropriate for several reasons, including old forms and incomplete information. Five tests of change were implemented, which had a mixed impact.

Conclusions
This pilot study can help other multidisciplinary teams who are implementing the care aims approach and looking to improve their referral processes in order to improve access to care.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)190-195
Number of pages6
JournalBritish Journal of Healthcare Management
Volume28
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 02 Jul 2022

Keywords

  • Care aims
  • Children services
  • Multidisciplinary team
  • Plan-do-study-act
  • Quality improvement

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