Quality Improvement Leadership in Healthcare

This is a team- and project-based learning programme, designed to provide learners with leading edge knowledge and skills in aspects of quality improvement, implementation science, patient safety and enhanced leadership capacity. The programme is a key implementation support for the HSE Patient Safety Strategy 2019-2024 in facilitating healthcare teams to identify and address the common causes of harm.



Programme learners apply as a multidisciplinary team of three members who commit to engaging in a workplace improvement project.



This programme aims to provide a transformative experience in terms of personal growth and leadership development. Teams are supported by expert faculty to analyse the systems in which they work and to evaluate, integrate and implement theories and methods of quality improvement.

• Teams must consist of three members, all of whom must be working in Irish healthcare setting, whether hospital or community based.



• All three team members must commit to working together for the duration of the programme (12-18 months to include project write up and submission).



• Each team of three will comprise at least one consultant or equivalent senior health and social care professional.



• Teams should be multidisciplinary, for example including:

-Medical Consultant/Medical Specialist

-Chief Executive Officer

-Nursing personnel

-Physiotherapists

-Pharmacists

-Allied Health Professionals

-Operations personnel

-Human Resources personnel

-Communications personnel

-Administration personnel



All team members must:

-be working in the Irish health service.

-have a minimum of 3 years post-graduation experience as an employee in the health service.

-have a minimum Level 8 Honours Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Diploma).





English language requirements

If English is not a learners first language, they will have to be able to read and write English to a certain level to apply to RCPI.



Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of the following level of English language proficiency:



-High B2 on the (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) CEFRL when awarded by a recognised awarding body.

-An average score of 6.5 on the overall components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version.



Team leadership

For teams in a hospital setting, the lead/senior person will be the most suitable team member and dependent on the proposed project, this will include a medical or surgical consultant. Some projects may not require a consultant to be part of the team.



For more information, please read our Admissions Policy.



Recognition of Prior Learning

There is currently no recognition of prior learning for this programme.

You can access the relevant policies and procedures on our website.



Protection of Enrolled Learners

RCPI has procedures in place for the protection of enrolled learners. You can access the information on this through the policy and procedure via our website.

About the application form

The application form is completed online. The application process should involve all three team members though only one will submit on behalf of the team. It is possible to complete the form in stages using the SAVE FOR LATER option.



You will be asked to complete sections about your team member demographics and contact details, your experience of QI and you will be asked to explain your workplace improvement idea and why you feel your team should be selected.



Application process



One person per team should complete and submit relevant accompanying letter(s) of support.



-Applications are checked and verified. You will be informed if your application is not eligible.

-Eligible applications will be considered by a selection committee in June 2024.

-The outcome of the selection process will be notified to all applicants within one week of the selection meeting.



You may appeal the admission decision within 10 working days of the decision.

10 months

Start Dates:

The dates are based on the 2024-2025 academic year. Successful teams will be informed with the decision letter.



You are expected to aim for 100% attendance and full engagement in the programme.



All course dates can be viewed in the LEARNING SESSION DATES tab on our course webpage - link above. Scheduling is subject to confirmation for 2024-2025 academic year.