How to develop a translational health service improvement program: A health industry-university collaboration

Most medical, clinical and health education programs require students to complete quality improvement (QI) training. This curriculum expands on the biomedical model of healthcare delivery to a value-based one aligned with quintuple aim goals. While QI can offer immediate service enhancements, contributions to improve the broader health system at national and international levels remains limited. This paper addresses this issue by exploring how QI training can be reimagined through a translational research pathway or a Translational Health Service Improvement Program (THSIP) delivered in partnership between 4 Local Health Districts in New South Wales, Australia and 2 Australian Universities. Informed from a modified Delphi design, this study reports 12 elements for a THSIP. The THSIP ensures students have: organisational support to conduct research within required training timelines, access to translational research training and mentorship, and finally, structures to support evidence uptake. These aspects are addressed through the THSIPs program management, skills development, and implementation components. The THSIP equips students with skills to make systemic service enhancements relevant for other organisations, domestically and internationally.