Did you know that the way we interact within healthcare systems can significantly impact outcomes?

In our latest episode of the Walk and Talk Improvement podcast, we speak with Keith McCandless, co-developer of Liberating Structures and author. In our conversation, Keith sheds light on how patterns of relationships shape problem-solving and shares examples of his extensive experience working with healthcare settings. We learn how through the use of "liberating structures," we can foster better communication, collaboration and insight.  

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that can transform how we approach quality and patient safety in healthcare. Whatever your role, there's something valuable for everyone.

We hope you enjoy our latest Walk and Talk Improvement Podcast: Working together to improve quality: Liberating structures in action with special guest Keith McCandless

Please share your thoughts about this episode by emailing us on [email protected].

Hosted by: Juanita Guidera, National Quality and Patient Safety, Health Service Executive

Produced by: Juanita Guidera, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE and GKMedia.ie

Keith McCandless

Keith is co-developer of Liberating Structures and co-author of the book The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures – Simple Rules to Unleash a Culture of Innovation (2014). Keith operates a global consulting practice focused on strategy development, creative adaptability, and including all voices in shaping next steps. He calls himself a structured improvisationalist. 

Learning Materials

In this episode of the Walk and Talk Improvement podcast, we are joined by Donald M. Berwick, one of the leading scholars, teachers, and advocates in the world for the continual improvement of health care systems. Don shares his extensive experience and insights on leadership, intrinsic motivation, and quality improvement. The discussion delves into systemic issues in healthcare and the ongoing journey of improvement. Don also highlights our interconnectedness, the potential of leaders to foster collaboration and continuous learning, and the power of our collective efforts to improve health and social care services.

We hope you enjoy our latest Walk and Talk Improvement Podcast:  Healing Healthcare: Quality is Goodness with special guest Don Berwick. 

Please share your thoughts about this episode by emailing us on [email protected].

Hosted by:  Dr. John Fizsimons and Juanita Guidera.

Dr. John Fitzsimons, Clinical Director for QI, National Quality and Patient Safety and Consultant Paediatrician,

Juanita Guidera, Programme Manager, National Quality and Patient Safety, Health Service Executive

Produced by:  Juanita Guidera, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE and GKMedia.ie

In this episode 22, we speak with Dr Anne Gallen. Anne is a pioneer who spearheaded the introduction of nursing and midwifery quality-care metrics in Ireland.

These metrics provide an indication of the quality of the fundamentals of nursing and midwifery care. They enable quality improvement along with accountability for care.

Anne is Area Director of Nursing & Midwifery Planning and Development for Dublin and Midlands with the HSE Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD).

Hosted by: Dr Maureen Flynn, Director of Nursing and the Quality and Patient Safety Lead for the ONMSD.

Co-produced by: Sheema Lughmani, HSE National Quality and Patient Safety.

In part three of our World Patient Safety Day special, Dr John Fitzsimons speaks with Dr John Brennan on diagnosis from the perspective of a general practitioner (GP).

Dr John Brennan is a GP and lead faculty for the Royal College of Physicians Ireland Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Improvement and Leadership in Healthcare.

Hosted by: Dr John Fitzsimons Clinical Director (NQPSD) and Consultant Pediatrician, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street.

Co- produced with: Sheema Lughmani, Digital Communications Officer, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE

In part two of our World Patient Safety Day special, Dr John Fitzsimons and Professor Eva Doherty speak with Dr Hardeep Singh on diagnostic excellence.

Dr Singh is a Professor of Medicine at the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt) based at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr Singh is also the Co-Chief of the Health Policy, Quality & Informatics Program at IQuESt and Director of the Houston Diagnosis Improvement Safety Center

Hosted by: Dr John Fitzsimons Clinical Director (NQPSD) and Consultant Pediatrician, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street.

Co- produced with: Sheema Lughmani, Digital Communications Officer, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE

In this three part special, Dr John Fitzsimons speaks with international experts on the topic of diagnostic safety, the theme of the 2024 World Patient Safety Day.

In part one, Professor Eva Doherty Eva speaks with us about the psychology of diagnoses, including the impact of cognitive biases and the human factors elements in the diagnostic process. Professor Eva Doherty is a clinical psychologist and Director of Human Factors at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland.

Hosted by: Dr John Fitzsimons Clinical Director (NQPSD) and Consultant Pediatrician, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street.

Co- produced with: Sheema Lughmani, Digital Communications Officer, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE

In episode 18 we hear a patient (Matthew) share their story after a receiving a sudden and unexpected diagnosis. Matthew shares his diagnostic journey as a young adult who had little experience with the healthcare system, to finding his voice and becoming more actively involved in his care.

We also hear from GP Dr John Brennan. John shares the role of communications in helping to improve the diagnostic process and why he thinks listening is the cornerstone of diagnostics. John is a practicing GP and lead faculty for the Royal College of Physicians Ireland Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Improvement and Leadership in Healthcare.

This episode was developed as part of the HSE World Patient Safety Day special.

Hosted by: Dr John Fitzsimons Clinical Director (NQPSD) and Consultant Pediatrician, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street.

Co- produced with: Sheema Lughmani, Digital Communications Officer, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE

Gerry Clerkin has been leader in quality and patient safety in the healthcare system in Ireland for the past 22 years. He has worked in healthcare since 1980, when he commenced his training as a student psychiatric nurse.

In this episode of Walk and Talk Improvement, we explore a lifetime of lessons with Gerry on caring for people, just culture and patient partnership. In this time of reforming the HSE, join us to hear his thoughts on how you can design a system with quality and patient safety at the centre of your governance structures and much more.

Whether you are a leader of a team, working in Quality and Patient Safety, involved in providing integrated care, or a patient partner, this episode shares invaluable insights which will guide your journey and make a lasting difference.

Hosted by: Juanita Guidera, Programme Manager - Staff Engagement for Quality, National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate, HSE

Co- produced with: Sheema Lughmani, Digital Communications Officer, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE

Close your eyes and imagine this: You’re a surgical nurse in general theatre. It’s the end of a long shift and you’re scrubbed in for your last case. The surgeon has closed up the patient when you realise the instrument count is incorrect and the patient is now already in recovery. What do you do next?

In episode 16, we hear from Teresa Donnelly, who shares how this incident in general theatre started her clinical audit journey. Teresa has since revolutionised the culture of general theatre at Sligo University Hospital, improving both patient and staff safety.

Featuring: Teresa Donnelly, Director, HSE Centre of Education for Nursing and Midwifery, Sligo Leitrim W Cavan.

Hosted by Selene Daly, Clinical Audit Facilitator, HSE National Centre for Clinical Audit. Co-produced by Sheema Lughmani.

What does perfectionism look like to you? At some point in our lives we all have experienced perfectionism in some way or another. In the extreme, perfectionist qualities can lead to significant stress and anxiety on the individual and on the team.

In this episode, Professor Eva Doherty Eva speaks with us about perfectionism in the workplace and the impact it can have on ourselves, our relationships, and patient safety.

Hosted by: Juanita Guidera, Programme Manager - Staff Engagement for Quality, National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate, HSE

Co- produced with: Sheema Lughmani, Digital Communications Officer, National Quality and Patient Safety, HSE