CQL Handbook

We have developed a Cluster Quality Lead (CQL) Handbook for CQLs in Lothian. This handbook is primarily designed to be a practical resource for new CQLs , but may also be useful to those more established in the role.

It is a local who’s-who and how-to guide with lots of practical information about local Cluster arrangements, CQL induction, support arrangements and project resources. It also contains introductions to approaches that may help you navigate and lead large-scale change work and use your extrinsic influence to contribute to local service delivery planning, as well as undertaking intrinsic quality improvement projects.

It is aimed to be a dip-into resource with sign-posting to other resources rather than a ’textbook’, and the content is based on topics that have come up in new CQL coaching sessions over the last year to ensure that it feels relevant and useful.

If you would like access to the CQL handbook, or would like to provide feedback about additional topics to include in future versions, then please contact the QI Team at QINetwork@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Local Report Templates

Use the links below to download cluster templates to summarise your quality improvement work.

Why How What Project Report

Annual cluster work summary

CQL Coaching

Coaching has been one of the Primary Care QI Network’s key factors for success. To maximise value from the coaching programme, the Network aims to apply all four levels of the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model.

Practice QI workbook coaching is targeted at achieving levels 1 (engagement) and 2 (improvement skills knowledge), and aims for level 3 (applying skills effectively to their project).

“It was so helpful and they clarified what was required and I left not feeling so overwhelmed totally appreciated the feedback”

“This one coaching workshop was most useful for focused feedback & learning to improve our current QI project and skills for next time.”

However, as the ultimate goal of effective QI coaching is to help participants make important contributions to organisational strategic change and improvements; coaching for key clinical leadership roles such as CQLs is aimed at level 4 (targeted outcomes occur with organisation benefits as a result of coaching).

“I found the opportunity to have specific questions answered immediately by a knowledgeable & enthusiastic expert very valuable”

— Lothian CQL

Since May 2020 the Lothian Primary Care Network Team are pleased to offer each CQL three sessions of coaching per year within the first 3-6 months with our GP clinical lead. Coaching can help you maximise the impact of the Cluster quality improvement projects you lead or help you identify and plan for suitable improvement opportunities.

Previous CQLs have reported that the coaching sessions have also been helpful in thinking about your professional development. However, what you want to discuss will be directed by you.

We strongly recommend that you make time for these coaching sessions, they are not obligatory, and the arrangements and time for attending are your own responsibility.

Please contact the QI Team if you are interested in CQL coaching.