NHS IMPACT Operational Improvement Training Programme is a catalyst for positive change. An investment in clinical and operational leaders and managers, and the future of the NHS.

The programme aims to equip frontline staff at bands 6 to 8a (or equivalent) with the practical tools and strategic thinking needed to become a driving force in improving healthcare, building thriving teams, enhancing operational excellence, and ultimately, make a tangible difference in patients’ lives.

Not only will learners be equipped with the skills and strategies to improve efficiency and productivity, but they will also learn to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

They will be empowered to tackle key challenges creatively and systematically, leading to performance improvement and productivity gains, with a view of changing the way the NHS works for the better.

The programme includes 1 core improvement module and a selection of clinical specialty pathway modules; elective care, urgent and emergency care, cancer, outpatients, theatres, mental health, diagnostics.

Learners are encouraged to build a training package which best suits their role, needs of their locality and career ambitions.

Core module

Everyone will learn how to build thriving teams where autonomy and belonging drive operational excellence. Learners will be equipped with practical ways to identify and understand systemic problems, apply practical approaches to improve patient care, operational performance, and productivity, and discover strategies to sustain and embed these improvements.

Learners select from a range of pathway modules based on role, local need and career aspirations.

Pathway modules

Elective

This module equips learners with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the national elective recovery effort by improving timely access to elective care for patients. Learners will use data to identify specific challenges in elective care and opportunities to make healthcare better for patients. They will explore good practice in operational fundamentals and discuss real-life case studies, gaining insight into practical approaches to tackle elective care challenges, maximising capacity and improving timely access to quality care for patients.

Urgent and emergency care (UEC)

In this module learners will be taught how to drive improvements in the UEC pathway. Through an introduction to national priorities, data analysis, and practical improvement ideas, participants will increase their knowledge and skills to enhance patient flow, optimise resource allocation, and contribute to a more efficient and effective NHS.

Cancer

This module focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to understand and improve the cancer pathway. Learners will explore the patient journey, understand how to take a patient-centric approach, and where their role sits within the pathway. They will examine key challenges and opportunities for improvement within their clinical areas.

Outpatients

This module equips learners with the skills to analyse and improve outpatient services through an understanding of the pathway, the key metrics available to them, and practical improvement strategies such as optimising referrals, patient communication and clinic templating. By examining real-world data and exploring innovative solutions, learners will gain the skills to enhance outpatient services and contribute to a more efficient and patient-centred experience.

Theatres

This module focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to understand and improve the theatres and perioperative care pathway. Learners will explore the patient journey from referral through to surgery and recovery and understand where their role sits within the pathway. They will examine key challenges and learn practical approaches to optimise theatre utilisation and drive meaningful improvements in their trust.

Mental health

This module trains learners to analyse the patient journey, identify challenges within the inpatient pathway, and implement practical improvements to enhance patient care and drive a positive and therapeutic environment.

Diagnostics

This module empowers learners to drive improvements in diagnostics. Through a deep dive into national priorities, analysis techniques, and practical improvement approaches, learners will enhance their knowledge and skills to optimise demand and capacity, enhance the patient experience, and contribute to a more efficient and effective diagnostics system.

This programme is CPD certification accredited by the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management.

For more information about how to take part see our frequently asked questions or email england.improvementdelivery@nhs.net