Frequently Asked Questions

What is QI Coaching?

A QI coach is someone with Quality Improvement knowledge who can guide and coach others on their improvement journey. A QI coach serves as facilitator, aiming to support each person in building confidence, skills, and knowledge of QI to implement on their QI programmes/projects. QI coaching includes teaching, facilitating, advising, mentoring, advocating, and signposting.

Who can be a QI Coach?

Anyone can be a QI coach who has experience of applying QI to more than one project and is confident in using the Model for Improvement and QI tools. QI Coaches will require to be active listeners and display empathy and understanding.

I am not a data expert. Can I still become a QI coach?

Yes. QI coaches do not need to be expert in all aspects of QI, however it is important that they can signpost if required.

What opportunities are there for QI Coaching?

QI coaching can be provided in a number of ways. There are opportunities to provide QI coaching as part of the Lothian Quality Academy, Site based QI coaching clinics, in the service or team.

What is the time commitment?
We ask that QI coaches deliver a minimum 12 hours of QI coaching per year to maintain their competency. To enable QI Coaching to be beneficial and meaningful for both parties the following requirements are recommended:

• Secured agreement and support from their line managers to provide QI coaching
• Ability to manage own diary to allow for scheduling of coaching
• Participation in development opportunities to develop QI coaching skills & knowledge

What training and support do QI coaches receive?

All QI coaches are part of the QI Coach Network. Regular development days and networking opportunities are organised to support and develop QI Coaches.

How do I become a QI coach?

Please contact Madeleine Martin or The Quality Academy if you are interested in finding out more information.
New QI coaches will receive inductions and full resources are provided.