Authors: Blanca Oancea, Jacqui Simmons, Linda Binding

Background:

Innovation in healthcare represents a novel idea, system or pathway that has clear benefits when measured against the current practice. The knowledge base of the Cardiothoracic department has in recent years been depleted with the loss of experienced staff and no available speciality course. The aim of this program is to provide specialized education to cardiothoracic nurses and allied health professionals through monthly education sessions to improve patient care.

Methods:

The education faculty was established with the input of various stakeholders in the Cardiothoracic department. An anonymous digital feedback pathway was created and shared with attendees to understand the impact that the teaching had on their knowledge and understanding.

Results:

Staff experience ranged from 1-year post-graduate to 25 years in NHS service. Outcomes were measured by participant level of effort and contribution to learning. 81% of service users strongly agreed that the specialized education sessions had a positive impact on their knowledge and understanding. 87% participants chose to attend the learning out of interest whilst 7% joined the lectures for time owing.

Conclusion:

Creating a culture for innovation within the Cardiothoracic department has faced many key issues. The Cardiothoracic Education Faculty has shown to have a positive impact and increased the demand and interest of both service users and lecturers for further education and development. As such, future plans include formalising the process into a novel corporate strategy aimed to develop greater partnerships within the Cardiothoracic community and share learning that will provide essential, developmental and academic skills for all staff within the directorate.