Improvement science refers to the methodology, tools and processes commonly used in healthcare to improve safety and quality structures, processes and outcomes.
If you are new to improvement science or would like to refresh your knowledge, see improvement science tools for a wide range of tools and resources to support your improvement journey.
You can also contact your clinical governance or patient safety unit who can connect you with your local quality improvement experts.
Use this guide to work through the 12 steps of an improvement project in a healthcare setting. It explains each step and points you to the tools you need at each stage.
Download improvement science guide (PDF 1.3 MB)
Who is this guide for?
This guide will help you if you are:
- a healthcare lead or team starting or sustaining an improvement project
- an Applied Safety and Quality Program or improvement science workshops participant
- a faculty member facilitating improvement science methodology
- a coach supporting improvement leads or teams
- new to improvement science and looking for an overview of the steps.
Build your knowledge alongside the guide
See Safety and Quality Essentials Pathway for a deeper grounding in the methodology and the tools mentioned in the guide.