Session 5 of the ACQUIRE Quality Improvement (QI) Leadership Forum 2024 presented a powerful exploration of how intentional leadership drives advancements in Quality Improvement (QI) and patient safety across African healthcare institutions. In this session, healthcare leaders such as Dr. Peter Watson, Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, and Pharmacist Abimbola Ajayi shared their experiences and transformative strategies, demonstrating how targeted leadership can enhance institutional practices and set new benchmarks for healthcare excellence across Africa. Through mentorship, data-driven approaches, and systems-level change, they highlighted the profound impact of intentional leadership on advancing quality improvement and patient safety.
Building a Quality-Driven Culture at Kijabe Hospital
Drawing on the experiences of Kijabe Hospital, Dr. Watson discussed the hospital’s transformative journey in systems change and quality improvement. Kijabe Hospital’s commitment to embedding QI within its culture and systems began in 2015 with its community health team undergoing the IHI training program. A near-crisis that happened 2 years later catalyzed their QI efforts and reshaped the approach to patient care and safety. Structural changes were introduced to build a professional leadership board focused on medical quality, with deliberate efforts to ingrain QI within the hospital structures and foster a culture of safety.
Key to Kijabe Hospital’s success has been consistent capacity building, training, and a culture shift among staff, as described by Mr. Chris Mandere in Session II, who emphasized the hospital’s focus on improving quality as a core institutional goal. Dr. Watson highlighted that quality is not an add-on; “it’s central to the organization’s mandate. When staff are heard and responded to, it builds a robust foundation for continuous improvement.”
Kenyatta National Hospital’s Journey: From Crisis to Commitment
Representing Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Dr. Rhoda Kalondu described a journey fraught with challenges yet marked by growth. She recounted how KNH’s QI initiatives began in 2015, initially focusing on renovating the Accident and Emergency department by eliminating non-value-added processes. The hospital also faced a significant turning point in 2018, a crisis that triggered a deeper commitment to patient safety, establishing a dedicated patient safety department. “Improvement isn’t instantaneous,” Dr. Rhoda noted, emphasizing the need for consistent training and engagement with healthcare workers to sustain QI efforts in a large institution.
Data-driven decision-making has become a cornerstone of KNH’s quality improvement journey. The hospital conducts continuous clinical audits to monitor patient safety metrics, and an online incident reporting tool allows for anonymous reporting and prompt resolution of medical errors. “For quality improvement to succeed, you must understand your baseline and build a case with data,” Dr. Rhoda emphasized, noting how data helped justify quality initiatives to KNH’s management.
Mentorship and Coaching as Pillars of QI Leadership
Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi highlighted the transformative role of mentorship and coaching in healthcare, describing mentorship as “not just supervision; it’s about leading by example and helping someone become the best they can be.” She explained that mentorship supports healthcare workers in skill acquisition, while coaching helps individuals develop goals and navigate pathways to reach them. “Mentoring and coaching empower people; the people you empower today might be your voice tomorrow,” she added, illustrating the long-term impact of QI mentorship in strengthening healthcare systems.
Pharmacist Ajayi from Nigeria shared her journey of personal commitment to QI, which led to improvements in neonatal care for the community she serves. Recognized internationally for her work, Ms. Ajayi’s achievements in QI exemplify how dedicated leadership can drive sustainable change even in resource-limited settings. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that resilience, passion, and innovation can overcome systemic challenges.
Passing the Baton: Sustaining QI for Future Generations
The session concluded with an insightful discussion on preparing future healthcare leaders. Prof. Bukusi underscored the importance of knowledge-sharing, stating, “If we die with that knowledge, it is entirely useless.” Her call to action urged participants to cultivate a culture of mentorship that ensures QI practices are passed down, continually evolving with each generation of healthcare professionals. Quality Improvement in healthcare is an ongoing journey driven by intentional leadership, data-informed strategies, and a commitment to patient safety. Through shared knowledge, mentorship, and a focus on sustainability, healthcare facilities can make sustainable improvements that benefit both staff and patients.
