Optimizing quality collaboratives

While the evidence base for the effectiveness of quality collaboratives is emerging, valuable knowledge can be gained from experts in order to design and optimize implementation of collaboratives. “Quality collaborative” is the term used to describe a technique which is increasingly being used in a number of countries and is perceived by participants as a valuable method of sharing experience, accessing expertise, and providing an environment which supports quality improvement endeavours. Although the name is rather generic, the form and functions of quality collaboratives are constantly being refined through real world learning. Regrettably, the published evidence base is not as replete as one would hope when such a resource intensive intervention is enjoying popularity. Anecdotal reporting and insights of experts are therefore important for designing and implementing collaboratives to optimize their effectiveness. In this issue of QSHC Ovretveit and colleagues1 present their …