Effective and lasting improvement is usually brought about through a committed team effort. But that effort should be guided by the steady hand of someone whose expertise and experience with improvement work increase the team's potential for success.
The Improvement Advisor (IA) is devoted to helping identify, plan, and execute improvement projects throughout an organisation, deliver successful results, and spread changes across the entire system. Organisations that achieve multiple and sustained improvements usually have the invaluable leadership of an IA at the helm of their improvement initiatives. Most health care organisations turn to internal resources for improvement leadership, but in many cases, there is no one with the required training, expertise, and support to perform this role. In fact, individuals with the necessary skills to serve as IAs are relatively rare.
To effectively meet the demands of the job, IAs need more than just an interest in improvement work. They need a solid foundation, advanced knowledge and skills in the art and science of improvement, plus the ability to work with and coach front-line teams in achieving and maintaining successful changes. IAs must also be able to communicate effectively with senior management to summarise progress on improvement projects and clearly articulate needed sponsorship and support when projects stall.
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), in conjunction with Associates in
Process Improvement (API), offers the
Improvement Advisor Professional Development Programme to help individuals in this critical role build and hone such skills. This richly-packed, 10-month programme is an “all teach, all learn” experience that offers:
The advanced knowledge and skills you need to excel in the art and science
of improvement
Instruction on how to use a framework comprising practical skills and
theory to drive whole system changes
A collaborative learning environment and actionable ideas that will help you
achieve maximum results
