Leading quality improvement in care homes: stories from a frailty advanced practitioner

In this session we’ll hear from Rachel Edwards, Advanced Clinical Practitioner trainee and frailty specialist at East Sussex Healthcare Trust. 

Rachel will share what she has learnt about leading quality improvement in care homes and how learning about her own leadership style and continuing to fall in love with the problem – rather than focusing on the solution – has helped her grow in her role. 

Here’s a short introduction from Rachel herself: 

I am a nurse by background and my passion and specialism is frailty. For several years I have been working with my colleagues in social care, being involved in anything and everything care homes focused and in particular supporting and working within the Enhanced Health in Care Homes service.

Working as Advanced Clinical Practitioner trainee I need to focus on meeting the four pillars the role is base upon; clinical, leadership, research/​ improvement and education. Quality Improvement (QI) is one of the few tools we have on hand which can bring about positive change in health and social care. Health and social care will, I believe, be improved by those working in the services, who know them the best, making small, focused changes for the better.

I have led on a handful of QI projects in care homes, always forming a team with my social care colleagues. I have come to understand the need for vision and drive whilst leading with vulnerability. Leading by using QI methodology means having a constant eye on the problem and making sure there is a shared understanding within the team.

Following Rachel’s short presentation there’ll be time for questions and further conversation. 

Join the the Quality Improvement in Care Homes group to continue the conversation after the event, and share ideas and approaches.