Applying Quality Improvement Tools and Methods

In this second course on Quality Improvement (QI) in pharmacy, you will build on your foundational knowledge by learning how to measure, track and drive improvement using data, as well as how to test and refine change ideas through the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. You will explore how to select meaningful measures, define them clearly and present data in ways that reveal trends, distinguish between normal variation and meaningful change and guide decision-making in real time. You will also learn how to design, test and adapt interventions on a small scale, using behavioural insights, contextual awareness and practical tools to ensure that changes are both effective and sustainable.

From developing run charts that tell a story over time to running small-scale PDSA tests that uncover valuable lessons, this course equips you with the skills to turn data into action. By the end, you will be able to measure what matters, interpret results with confidence and lead improvement work that delivers lasting benefits for patients, teams, and pharmacy services.

Through hands-on application, you will explore how to define meaningful measures, interpret data to reveal real trends, and use insights to drive change. You will practice designing and testing small-scale interventions that lead to reliable and sustainable improvement.

You will gain confidence in selecting and using QI tools that turn data into action and deliver measurable benefits for patients, teams, and services.

What you can expect in this course:

Module 1 covers how to choose and define meaningful measures, present and interpret data effectively (using tools like run charts) as well as how to apply these insights to drive and sustain real improvements in practice.

Module 2 focuses on how to use the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to test and refine change ideas, generate effective interventions and design practical, sustainable solutions that work in your specific context.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Analyse specific processes or systems using quality improvement tools and techniques to identify problems.
Explain the role and importance of measurement in quality improvement.
Use systematic processes to test and refine changes in quality improvement projects, such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle.

Behaviour Change

The purpose of this course is not only to build your understanding of QI concepts and tools but also to promote lasting changes in how you approach and deliver improvement work in your everyday healthcare practice. To support this, the course has been intentionally designed to go beyond passive learning. It will encourage you to reflect on your current practice, challenge assumptions and strengthen your confidence to take active steps towards leading or supporting meaningful change in your workplace.

Throughout the course, we aim to promote the following behaviour changes among pharmacists and other healthcare professionals involved in QI initiatives:

Employ a learning mindset, using practical approaches to QI by testing change in a real world setting and adapting processes according to results, in a systematic and step wise manner.
Reflect on and address behaviour influences, including your own and those of others, using behaviour change principles and practical frameworks to design more sustainable interventions.

While each module builds your knowledge and skills, they also include opportunities to reflect on your existing approach, consider what might need to change and explore how to apply your learning in your day-to-day work. We encourage you to engage fully with these behaviour-focused elements and use them to challenge yourself, support your colleagues and improve the care and services you provide.

This course should take approximately 2 hours to complete.

Published: November 2025

Review date: November 2028

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