Collaboratives

This report aims to describe the effectiveness of the Quality Improvement Collaborative approach by systematically reviewing empirical studies. 

Background

Across the globe, healthcare organisations are adopting collaborative approaches. They are used in different clinical areas and organisational contexts. Collaboratives represent substantial investments in time, effort and funding in the healthcare delivery system.

This report

This systematic review describes the determinants of success and failure by getting under the skin of the collaborative approach to find what really works to improve quality. This ‘black box’ analysis enables the authors to detail the determinants for collaborative success. 

What is quickly apparent from the review is the paucity of evidence available on the collaborative approach to quality improvement, but what results are available suggest positive benefits from the use of collaboratives. We have reflected on this evidence in light of our own investment and what people we are working with tell us about the lived experience of working in collaboratives.   

Our contribution

We are already making our own significant contribution to the evidence base.  We have invested in randomised controlled trial evaluations of our collaborative in maternal and neonatal care in Malawi and in stroke care in the North West of England. We have also commissioned two controlled observational evaluations of our collaboratives in patient safety. Our evaluation of these programmes will make a considerable contribution to the size and quality of the knowledge base. 

Who should read this report

This report provides a very useful guide for those in policy-making or practice interested in improving the quality of healthcare by drawing together key studies and navigating some of the complex issues associated with assessing complex processes. 

• Email to a colleague
• Add to briefcase
• Print page