Trust celebrates Research, Innovation and Quality Improvement

The Trust’s internal RIQI event this week celebrated some of the incredible Research, Innovation and Quality Improvement programmes that Trust staff are implementing, even in the midst of a global pandemic including:

• The PIONEER study—rapid development of a therapeutic drug study in a pandemic environment
• The use of data to assist clinicians to identify and manage COVID-19 patients at risk of developing preventable complications
• Digital advancement in outpatient care
• Clinical outcomes of digital sensor alerting systems in remote monitoring
• Home fitting of electrocardiogram ambulatory monitors during COVID-19
• Applying HIV research experience to COVID-19 studies and vaccine trials

Roger Chinn, Acting Medical Director and Chief Clinical Information Officer, said, “The annual RIQI event is an embodiment of the Trust’s PROUD values – of putting patients first and our determination to develop - and this year’s event both captivated and invigorated staff at a time when everyone has been working under unprecedented pressure for many months.”

Themes of determination and collaboration emerged time and time again as ground-breaking projects in research and innovation were presented, demonstrating the Trust’s commitment to progress and improvement even in the face of adversity. The event, held virtually for the first time with a virtual poster gallery, epitomised the spirit of innovation.

Each day had a different focus - Determined to Develop, Digital Advancement, and COVID-19 Response and Recovery - and comprised a keynote and five poster presentations. The extensive breadth and depth of research and innovation showcased cross-organisation, cross-department, and cross-team collaborations making a real difference to patient care.

Roger concluded; “Never before has there been a more important time to incorporate research and innovation into our thinking and planning. And never before have I been so proud of our amazing staff doing exactly that across a vast continuum of care. We are proud of our proactive environment where staff can share ideas and are fully supported to bring them to fruition. It was clear to see that research and innovation are baked into our culture.”