title: The development of a consensus definition for healthcare improvement science (HIS) in seven European countries: A consensus methods approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a limited body of research in the field of healthcare improvement science (HIS). Quality improvement and 'change making' should become an intrinsic part of everyone's job, every day in all parts of the healthcare system. The lack of theoretical grounding may partly explain the minimal transfer of health research into health policy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article seeks to present the development of the definition for healthcare improvement science. A consensus method approach was adopted with a two-stage Delphi process, expert panel and consensus group techniques. A total of 18 participants were involved in the expert panel and consensus group, and 153 answers were analysed as a part of the Delphi survey. Participants were researchers, educators and healthcare professionals from Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, England, Poland, and Romania.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A high level of consensus was achieved for the broad definition in the 2nd Delphi iteration (86%). The final definition was agreed on by the consensus group: 'Healthcare improvement science is the generation of knowledge to cultivate change and deliver person-centred care that is safe, effective, efficient, equitable and timely. It improves patient outcomes, health system performance and population health.'
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The process of developing a consensus definition revealed different understandings of healthcare improvement science between the participants. Having a shared consensus definition of healthcare improvement science is an important step forward, bringing about a common understanding in order to advance the professional education and practice of healthcare improvement science.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Care Jesenice, Spodnji Plavž 3, 4270 Jesenice, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Brigita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Skela-Savič
authors.affiliation: Institute of Care and Practice Improvement, School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, ML3OBA, Scotland.
authors.forename: Rhoda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Macrae
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, Spain, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lillo-Crespo
authors.affiliation: Institute of Care and Practice Improvement, School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, ML3OBA, Scotland; Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Corsebar Road, Paisley, PA2 9PN, Scotland.
authors.forename: Kevin D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Rooney
keywords: Europe; consensus methods; definition; healthcare; improvements; science