The Health Foundation funds 15 projects through new Q Exchange funding programme

The Health Foundation has funded 15 projects as part of the new Q Exchange funding programme, which supports improvement projects led by members of the Q community.

During 2018, Q Exchange used the collective wisdom of the Q community to help identify and shape projects during a transparent and iterative application process. Ideas for potential improvement projects were posted online, and everyone was invited to view, comment and offer support. With this collaborative design process, projects were discussed and refined before they were invited to submit a formal application. Members of the Q community voted for their favourite 15 projects to receive funding at last month’s UK-wide Q community event. Take a look at our earlier blog about Q Exchange for more information.

The funded Q Exchange projects all support improvement in health and care. Each successful project will run for up to 12 months and receive up to £30,000. All those that participated have gained useful insights and a group of supporters to help them along the way. The projects will start in October 2018.

The projects are:

• Time Bank
• Making Data Count
• Transfer of learning from QI training for better impact on care
• Co-designing the use of NHS Near Me at home
• “I should only need to tell my story once” Giving care home residents a voice
• Support domiciliary carers to identify deterioration using ‘softer signs’ tool
• Mental Health Care for Emergency Department Frequent Attenders: a Regional Collaborative
• A peer led approach to evaluating the soft and fluffy
• Co-developing an Improvement Capability framework and action tools
• Churchdown Connections
• Repeat Prescribing – re-design through co-design
• Improving in Partnership with patients and communities, Side by Side
• A Paradigm Shift in the Role of Hospitals through Community Organising
• Patients are equal partners in Quality Improvement
• Speed DATAing

During the 12-month programme, project teams will share their learning with and look for feedback from the community. This will help other Q members and the wider health and care sector, unlocking the potential for this process to support the wider spread and adoption of improvement approaches.