Research and Quality Improvement (QI) activities

Psychiatrists play a key role in leading research and innovation for patient benefit.

For some, this will be a very significant part of their role. However, all psychiatrists should be expected to support research and the careful evaluation of new treatments and methods of service delivery.

Importance of research

• Research helps develop and strengthen the evidence base for mental health care, supporting more effective assessment, treatment and service delivery.
• Research drives innovation and enables new scientific discoveries to be translated into clinical practice.
• Academic and research activity supports workforce development, clinical leadership and policy influence.
• Research identifies unmet needs, evaluates services and informs improvements in mental health care systems.

Importance of Quality Improvement

• QI bridges the gap between best practice and routine care, helping to ensure consistent, high-quality services.
• QI provides a systematic approach to solving complex healthcare problems through continuous learning and adaptation.
• QI engages staff, patients and stakeholders in collaborative service improvement.
• PDSA cycles and the Model for Improvement allow safe testing of changes before wider implementation.
• QI improves patient safety, clinical effectiveness and patient experience through data-driven change.
• The College Centre for Quality Improvement (CCQI) supports assessment against standards and improvement of care quality.
• Participation in QI enhances team engagement, organisational learning and staff wellbeing.