Quality improvement in general practice: what do GPs and practice managers think?
December 2019

There is growing recognition of the importance of quality improvement in general practice. But what is the extent of knowledge and usage of quality improvement tools and approaches across the UK, and how can we embed a culture of improvement?
Our report explores the level of quality improvement awareness, appetite and activity in general practice across the UK.
Read the report foreword and commentary
The Health Foundation commissioned the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to survey over 2,300 GPs and 1,400 practice managers across the UK, alongside qualitative interviews.
The research shows that most GPs and practice managers see quality improvement as a core aspect of their work, with 99% reporting undertaking QI activities, and many working collaboratively with neighbouring practices to improve services.
However, there are many issues making it difficult to deliver improvement, including high patient demand and staff shortages; demands of other NHS agencies; lack of protected time; and level of improvement capability.
The report highlights the need for practices to create an environment conducive to quality improvement, where:
- all staff are encouraged to learn about and participate in improvement
- time is protected for undertaking QI activities, outside of daily roles
- there is greater collaboration between practices, such as formal partnerships to identify and address capability gaps.
Policymakers and system leaders have a responsibility to support those working in general practice to improve the quality of the services they provide by helping:
- staff to develop quality improvement and data skills
- practices carve out time for quality improvement.
Find out more
To hear more about our work in this area, go to our preference centre, where you can sign up to receive updates via email on topics such as primary care and quality improvement.
Cite this publication
Further reading
Discover
Quality improvement
Improving quality in health care is about making it safe, effective, patient-centred, timely,...
Learning report
The improvement journey
A learning report explaining why improvement in health care matters, and how to get started in your...
You might also like...
Quick guide
Quality improvement made simple
Updated in 2021, this third edition outlines what you need to know about health care quality...
Journal article
Perspectives of paediatric hospital staff on factors influencing the sustainability and spread of a safety quality improvement programme
Hospital staff perspectives on sustainability and and safety of quality improvement programmes in...
News
30 projects selected for funding through Q Exchange, the Q community’s collaborative grant programme
30 projects have been selected for funding through Q Exchange, the Q community’s collaborative grant...
Get social
Health Foundation @HealthFdn
@HelenBevanTweet @theQCommunity Thanks very much for sharing our @HealthFdn guide Helen! https://t.co/wJqeWuS6R5
Follow us on TwitterWork with us
We look for talented and passionate individuals as everyone at the Health Foundation has an important role to play.
View current vacanciesThe Q community
Q is an initiative connecting people with improvement expertise across the UK.
Find out more