Quality, Reliability, Safety and Teamwork Unit

The QRSTU analyses the safety and quality of surgery, and concentrates particularly on developing and evaluating interventions to improve systems of work. The unit has developed a theoretical framework for the analysis of risk and error in surgery, based on the three dimensions of Culture, System and Technology. Previous studies have included the first detailed scientific study of the impact of an aviation-style CRM teamwork training programme on technical error rates in operating theatres, and a major study of the effect of applying the Lean quality improvement system on safety in a surgical ward. The unit is also involved in studies of handover between clinical teams, and of the use of high-tech monitoring systems with computer analysis of vital signs to detect patient deterioration. Researchers from QRSTU have advised or participated in the development of the NHS Institute programme "the productive operating theatre" and the Health Foundation sponsored project on Safer Theatre Teams, and are actively involved in assisting the Clinical Human factors Group in their work to improve surgical safety in the UK. Current work is funded by a Programme Grant from the NIHR, and involves a synthesis of aspects of the Lean and CRM interventions to optimise safety performance in Orthopaedic surgery.

Members of the QRSTU recently attended the seminar Human Factors in Healthcare jointly organised by the Clinical Human Factors Group and the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors. See here for a write up of our day.