iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 18h

What does good perioperative care look like & how can we measure it? Our research developed & prioritised a set of 56 evidence-informed, patient-measures, across 10 domains, providing a practical framework. Full paper: buff.ly/2N1vsZ8 THIS Summary: buff.ly/4XBZpQ4

Male doctor examines a patient while female nurse looks on with clipboard

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 19h

Would you like to help improve healthcare in the NHS? As a member of the Voice and Insight Panel you can help ensure that our research reflects the real experiences of patients, carers and members of the public across the UK. Find out more: ths.im/4a4iZDt

Young woman and an older woman looking at something on an ipad.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 29/09/2026

THIS Space 2026 programme is now live! Join us virtually on 24 November. The event is free to attend, but booking is essential and space is limited. View the full programme and register here: ths.im/2026

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 25/09/2026

Leading an exciting research programme to build research capacity, @jomcpeake.bsky.social's clinical & academic journey saw her working with patients as a nurse to developing co-designed interventions to improve quality & safety in critical care. Read the fellowship story: ths.im/47Wo6FJ

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 23/09/2026

How can we create a culture where healthcare staff feel safe to speak up about their concerns and ideas & confident they will be heard? Why is speaking up still so difficult? Nnenna Osuji & @instagraham.bsky.social discuss the challenges around staff speaking up. Watch the recording: buff.ly/ljzZw1c

Chief Executive of North Middlesex hospital Nnenna Osuji and THIS Institute’s Graham Martin discuss the challenges around staff speaking up

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 15/09/2026

We’re looking for NHS hospital doctors working in general/acute medicine (currently or within the past 12 months) to be interviewed for a new study on keeping up to date with clinical guidelines. Book an interview: buff.ly/ovmMdye

Focused healthcare professional with a stethoscope and green lanyard looking at a laptop screen.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 14/09/2026

Successful innovation depends on the people as much as the technology. Our latest Explain THIS resource explores clinician engagement and why it matters for introducing and sustaining healthcare innovations. Read the latest resource: buff.ly/HmX7V5r

Infographic titled “Top tips for engaging clinicians in adopting new technologies and innovations.” Using illustrated healthcare-themed panels connected by arrows, the graphic presents seven recommendations for successful technology adoption: (1) Involve clinicians from start to finish, (2) Provide training on new technologies, (3) Use peer-to-peer influence to help drive engagement, (4) Create clear communication channels and feedback loops, (5) Bring discussions about new technologies into natural workflow moments, (6) Recognise the time and effort clinicians contribute, (7) Share real-world impacts and progress.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 08/09/2026

Make your voice count in improving healthcare! As a patient, carer or member of the public your views are needed to help shape healthcare improvement research. Join the Voice and Insight Panel and help make a difference: ths.im/4a4iZDt

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 03/09/2026

Do financial incentivisation schemes in healthcare work to improve safety? Our evaluation of NHS Resolution’s Maternity Incentive Scheme is summarised in seven lessons for financial incentivisation schemes in healthcare. Read the full paper: buff.ly/q2GP2GT THIS Summary: buff.ly/1lacgz1

Mother holding her newborn baby, lying in a hospital bed

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 02/09/2026

Can AI help to solve demand in general practice? In this Healthcare Today podcast, Niels Peek & Ben Brown discuss how successful AI adoption in the NHS depends on designing systems to support clinicians, improve workflows & solve clinical problems without adding complexity: ths.im/4yvbjEK

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 27/08/2026

Peoples lived experiences and contributions are vital to shaping health care improvement research at THIS Institute. Find out more about how we put people at the heart of our work, and how you get involved: ths.im/4wjdABC

Smiling male patient in a hospital bed being attended to by female nurse who is also smiling.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 27/08/2026

Our research with @pcucambridge.bsky.social found that whether GPs can use risk prediction tools depends much less on the tools themselves, and much more on the wider systems working together to support their use. ⬇️

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 19/08/2026

Are you a patient, carer or member of the public interested in sharing your experiences to improve healthcare? The recently launched Voice and Insight Panel is a simple way to learn about and contribute to research. Find out more and join: ths.im/4a4iZDt

Woman drinking a hot drink whilst doing some research on her laptop.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 17/08/2026

Putting people at the heart of research is central to our work. At THIS Institute, patients, carers & healthcare staff help to shape our research, creating an evidence base that's relevant & focused on the questions that matter most. Find out more and get involved ➡️ ths.im/4wjdABC

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 13/08/2026

THIS Institute welcomes Professor @carlmacrae.bsky.social as a research professor. He will lead research on the safe and reliable integration of AI in healthcare, alongside a broader programme focused on managing quality and safety across healthcare systems. Learn more about Carl: ths.im/4xwgIKw

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 12/08/2026

1/2: Opportunities to donate organs after death in the UK are limited, due to only being allowed in specific circumstances. We studied public attitudes & found that most people were supportive of expanding opportunities for organ donation. Find out more. Link in thread ⬇️

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 04/08/2026

Our latest post-doc fellows tackled a wide range of healthcare challenges, spanning wider themes of improving safety and access, personalising care, reducing waste, and making services more equitable & effective. We celebrated their achievements & impact in this fellowship story ths.im/4h0QMll

Six women standing posing for a photo in front of a research poster. Title of story: Strengthening research and building healthcare improvement leadership: a fellowship cohort story

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 28/07/2026

Organisational culture is powerful but hard to define – and even harder to change. 7 tips: expect resistance, rethink structures, lead intentionally, create ownership, manage external influences, spot unintended issues, and align beliefs with behaviours. Find out more: ths.im/4bp447u

Seven top tips for making culture change happen: be prepared to meet resistance, consider organisation structure, adopt appropriate leadership styles, create a sense of ownership, manage external influences, look out for unintended consequences of change, align cognitive and behavioural changes.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 24/07/2026

NHS England’s AI rollout promises shorter waiting times & better care. But acceleration must be matched by transparent, credible evaluation, strong infrastructure & robust testing or we may repeat past digital transformation failures. Read the editorial: ths.im/4pzJlUh @healthfoundation.bsky.social

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 22/07/2026

What should you consider when spreading, scaling, and sustaining healthcare improvement? Read our Explain THIS guide, part of our microlearning series of practical resources: ths.im/4pkWGQb

Sketchnote with six top tips for spreading, scaling, and sustaining healthcare improvement. 1. Starting from scratch isn't always the answer 2. Think about the potential for spread, scale-up, and sustainability early on 3. They tend to be overlapping and interdependent, not a step-by-step process 4. Pay attention to the context and the resources that can support the process 5. Bring in the right people, with the right skills, at the right time 6. Be open to adapting interventions to work in different settings.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 20/07/2026

Human Factors & Ergonomics helps design interactions that support people and improve safety, performance and well being. Our new Element introduces key principles, gives real healthcare examples, reflects on challenges and explores future directions. Find out more and read for free: ths.im/4w9awbd

Human Factors and Ergonomics Element by Mark Sujan and Laura Pickup

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 16/07/2026

Ethics is a key part of improving healthcare. Six tips to consider: think about assumptions, create space for open debate, balance thinking and doing, collaborate with experts, share tasks, and question what’s seen as better. Find out more in our latest microlearning resource: ths.im/4vLA0eE

Top Tips for values and ethics. Includes ethical analysis is integral, examine assumptions, create space for debates, divide up tasks, strike a balance and collaborate with specialists.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

We collaborated with @rcoa-cri.bsky.social to help develop better local pathways for emergency laparotomy surgery, after delays to patients’ CT scans were identified as a top concern. See the animation below for the recommendations

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 09/07/2026

Healthcare produces almost 5% of global emissions – while the NHS has bold net zero targets, research has so far been fragmented, risking progress. The NHS-SOS framework proposes a structure for the emerging field of research to address this. Full paper: ths.im/4fPzuqK THIS Summary: ths.im/4eKnWUU

Two people seated facing each other in conversation, with a central audio waveform and icons for speech bubbles, a document, an envelope, and a microphone showing recorded dialogue and message exchange.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 02/07/2026

Are you an early career researcher interested in improving how healthcare works? We're looking for a skilled researcher with strengths in qualitative or mixed-methods research and excellent analytical skills. Apply by 19 July 2026: ths.im/4ghlztO

THIS Institute vacancy advert for a research associate/ research assistant in health services research.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 30/06/2026

How do we build a healthcare system designed for the future? @marydixonwoods.bsky.social’s latest blog focuses on three capabilities: understanding problems, co-designing solutions & evaluating them rigorously. Read Mary’s blog - How can improvement and innovation save the NHS?: ths.im/4amGBU2

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 29/06/2026

We know that research is better when it’s shaped by real experiences. That’s why we’re launching the Voice and Insight Panel, a new community for patients, carers, and members of the public interested in healthcare improvement research. Find out more: ths.im/4a4iZDt

A young Black woman participating in a discussion in a community centre, with people listening

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 23/06/2026

Measurement is essential for improving healthcare. Six key tips: use a balanced set of measures, collect consistent data, track variation over time, involve frontline staff, keep data collection simple, and use what you learn to adapt. Explore our latest Explain THIS resource: ths.im/4xDQpDb

Six tips for measurement for improvement: use a family of measures, collect data consistently and quality assure it, monitor variation over time, engage stakeholders, make data collection easy, use data to adjust your approach.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 22/06/2026

Black women face some of the worst maternal health outcomes in the UK. THIS Fellow Michelle Peter explored their experiences of prenatal genetic screening, identifying key themes and practical steps to improve care and trust. 1/2

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 15/06/2026

Speaking to the All-Party Parliament Group for Patient Safety (APPG), @marydixonwoods.bsky.social highlighted three capabilities that are essential for improving patient safety in the NHS: identifying and understanding problems, developing good solutions & evaluation. Find out more: ths.im/4dUvJyS

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 10/06/2026

Who’s at #NHSConfedExpo today? Visit us at stand E2. Whether you're a clinician, patient, carer, or involved in shaping or delivering healthcare - if you care about improving the NHS, we’d love to connect and chat.

The healthcare improvement studies (THIS) Institute event stand at NHS Expo 2026.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 09/06/2026

Looking for practical information on collaboration‑based approaches in healthcare improvement? Our latest microlearning resource breaks down key definitions, models, what to consider in practice, and reflective questions to support planning and evaluation. Find out more: ths.im/4tqL9iI

Explain THIS. Collaboration-based approaches

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 08/06/2026

COVID-19 led to longer waiting times for planned NHS treatment – numbers rose to 7.41m by 2025. High-volume, low-complexity surgical hubs, when run well, may help reduce the numbers, but what does 'high-performing' look like? Find out more: Full paper ths.im/3PVqcim THIS summary ths.im/4vqRQD7

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 05/06/2026

What would it really take for improvement and innovation to save the NHS? In THIS Institute’s 2026 annual lecture, Mary Dixon-Woods (@marydixonwoods.bsky.social) explored what meaningful, evidence‑led change could look like. See highlights from the day and watch the full lecture: ths.im/4va70MG

Two speakers sit on armchairs on a stage during a Q&A session at 2026 THIS Institute Annual Lecture, seen from the audience. A large screen behind them displays the text “THIS Institute.” A small table between the speakers holds a bottle of water and two glasses.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 04/06/2026

Just a week to go till #NHSConfedExpo 🗓️ Will you be attending? Come find us at stand E2 near the main entrance. You can find out about our current work and pick up free hard copies of Elements of Improving Quality and Safety in Healthcare.

Two people at a conference stand in front of a red THIS Institute display, looking at a screen showing THIS Institute's Elements series.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 26/05/2026

Why don’t effective healthcare interventions always become routine practice? Our new microlearning resource introduces key terms, five key frameworks, and practical strategies to help you plan, deliver, and evaluate implementation. Explore free series to learn more: ths.im/4tx5CTh

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 18/05/2026

Can improvement and innovation save the NHS? In THIS Institute’s 2026 annual lecture, Mary Dixon-Woods (@marydixonwoods.bsky.social) explores the opportunities and limits of improvement and innovation, and why evidence matters. Watch now: ths.im/4nxW35d

Mary Dixon‑Woods gives a lecture on stage, looking towards a central screen, with an audience seated in front of her.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 12/05/2026

How can examining the way governance and leadership interact across different levels of the healthcare system help improve healthcare? Our new Explain THIS microlearning resource breaks it down, offering a quick, clear guide with practical questions to aid planning. Explore it here: ths.im/3R0AvC4

Explain THIS. Governance and leadership.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 11/05/2026

What can AI really do for healthcare improvement – and what’s still missing? In THIS Institute’s 2025 annual lecture, Niels Peek @nielspeek.bsky.social cuts through the AI hype. 🎥 Watch ‘Evidence-based healthcare innovation in the age of AI’ bit.ly/4nmyGL9 #NHS #AIinHealthcare #DigitalHealth

Neils Peek speaking and presenting at the THIS Institute’s 2025 annual lecture.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 07/05/2026

Severe bleeding post-birth (post partum haemorrhage - or PPH) is a leading cause of maternal death, but emergency kits to manage it aren’t standardised. Our study found many differences across kits in NHS maternity units. Would standardisation help? Probably – but a rigid approach may not work. 1/2

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 05/05/2026

Strong healthcare collaborations rely on trust, shared commitment, and cooperation. When they work well, people stay engaged and improvement builds. Read more on how to get the most from collaboration‑based approaches in our latest microlearning resource: ths.im/46bBLHO

Top tips for collaboration-based approaches: 1 Balance and structure and autonomy, 2 Don't rely on goodwill, 3 Plan for sustainability, 4 Be flexible, 5 Consider the wider context, 6 Be inclusive, 7 Weigh up costs and benefits, 8 Involve a range of voices.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 30/04/2026

In this compelling lecture, @jomcpeake.bsky.social shares her journey from early clinical practice in Glasgow to building inclusive, evidence-based approaches to critical care recovery. Her lecture reflects on how care, recovery, and research are deeply interconnected. Watch here: ths.im/4fvPNXC

Joanne McPeake, Professor of Nursing at THIS Institute with a quote reading 'The people who get patients better are their families and their social networks. The clinical team must do absolutely everything possible to care for this important group'.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 29/04/2026

Social frailty is a concept that has not yet been well studied, but which may play an important role in post-sepsis recovery. We explored the ways in which it affects survivors, its consequences for them, their families & carers. Full paper: ths.im/41v0Ji0 THIS summary: ths.im/4ei4iiT

Home caregiver helping a senior woman standing in the bedroom

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 24/04/2026

Our second survey of patient safety specialists gives us a valuable opportunity to see how their role is changing, and a further survey in 2027, funded by @nihr.bsky.social will allow us to track their experiences over a four-year period.

Two healthcare workers in coversation as they walk along a hospital corridor.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 23/04/2026

Five top tips for implementation science: choose a framework that fits your goals, look beyond its limits, understand the setting, stay adaptable, and use practical strategies to drive real change. Explore the latest resource from our free microlearning series: ths.im/46bBLHO

Five top tips for implementation science
1. Select your framework by thinking about the change you want to see, your setting, and what has worked well in the past
2. Don’t ignore challenges that aren’t covered by your chosen theory or framework – think broadly
3. Consider the context where the implementation will happen
4. Be prepared to adapt to change
5. Choose practical strategies to bring about change.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 22/04/2026

The Maternity Incentive Scheme uses incentives tied to achieving defined safety actions help improve safety for mothers and babies. It’s now in its 7th year - we wanted to understand how it’s working in practice. For key insights: Summary ths.im/4taWK5Y Read the full report ths.im/4s5gQ0C

Woman in a hospital bed holding her newborn baby

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 17/04/2026

Healthcare improvement needs strong governance and effective leadership – but what does this look like in practice? Find out more in our latest Explain THIS resource, part of our microlearning series of quick guides to healthcare improvement approaches. Learn more: ths.im/46bBLHO

At macro level (national):
1. Use incentives carefully: Incentives can drive change but may have unintended consequences. Involve people managing, delivering, and using services in developing incentive systems.
2. Consider practical and emotional burdens: Make sure the right resources (people, capacity, time) are in place to deal with the practical and emotional burdens associated with improvement efforts.

At meso level (systems and organisations):
3. Prioritise quality and safety: This should be a central priority for boards. Include them on agendas, use data to support understanding of quality and safety, and dedicate resources to building expertise in these areas.
4. Build a case for quality: Leaders should use both hard data (such as performance metrics) and soft data (such as patient stories) to make a compelling case for improving quality and building an improvement culture.
5. Learn from others: Boards should be open to building networks with and learning from external organisations to improve their own approaches to quality and safety.
6. Combine approaches: Making large-scale improvements requires combining both top-down leadership (from the board) and bottom-up approaches (from frontline staff).

At micro level (clinical teams):
7. Use person-centred leadership: Leaders should focus on individuals’ needs and aspirations. Constructive feedback enhances team skills, sense of value, and encourages ownership of team priorities.
8. Use task-centred leadership: Establish shared objectives, responsibilities, and ownership for quality within teams. This promotes a culture of collaboration, psychological safety, and innovation.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 16/04/2026

📢 Free event on AVT in Healthcare 📆 Tuesday 12 May, 13:30-14:30 (BST) AVT is moving fast, but how do we use it ethically and safely? Join us for real-world use cases and why patient and clinician involvement from day one matters. Register: ths.im/4tcLNkT

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 15/04/2026

Sepsis survivors can face long term issues with recovery. Our research shows social frailty - financial strain, reduced social contact, treatment burden & family challenges - plays a major role but there’s currently almost no support or care. Full paper: ths.im/41v0Ji0 THIS summary: ths.im/4cqlaS4

A senior woman is sitting on a wheelchair, feeling stressed and worried, at home.

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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 14/04/2026

Clair Le Boutillier brought patient perspectives directly to healthcare professionals to help co-design & improve personalised cancer care in her fellowship. Read about her award-winning project: ths.im/4cwnLLt

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