Qualitative process evaluation of the Perioperative Quality Improvement Programme (PQIP): study protocol.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement Science
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• The Perioperative Quality Improvement Programme (PQIP) aims to reduce complications in major elective surgery by providing data feedback to clinicians.
• National clinical audits collect extensive data, but its effective use for local service improvement remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a formative process evaluation of the PQIP.
• To analyze PQIP's program theory, barriers, facilitators, and contextual factors influencing its implementation.
• To understand the lifecycle of perioperative data from creation to utilization for quality improvement.

Main Methods:

• A multisited qualitative study involving the PQIP project team and six National Health Service (NHS) Trusts.
• Data collection through semi-structured interviews (up to 156 total), non-participant observations (up to 150 hours), and documentary analysis.
• Framework analysis will be used, incorporating research questions and emergent themes.

Main Results:

• This section is not applicable as the study is prospective and results are not yet available.
• The study is designed to identify how perioperative data is transformed and utilized within NHS Trusts.
• Findings will elucidate barriers and facilitators to effective data feedback and utilization for quality improvement.

Conclusions:

• The findings will inform the effective implementation of the PQIP by identifying key factors influencing data utilization.
• The study will provide insights for participating NHS Trusts to enhance their use of data for perioperative service improvement.
• This research contributes to understanding how to maximize the impact of national clinical audit data in healthcare settings.