National Speciality Quality Improvement Programmes
RCPI manages four National Specialty Quality Improvement (NSQI) Programmes in GI Endoscopy, Histopathology, Radiology and Bronchoscopy. Two patient and public interest (PPI) representatives sit on the NSQI steering committee for these programmes. In 2024 they actively collaborated with the programmes to produce first summary reports designed to put the GI Endoscopy, Histopathology and Radiology annual data report findings into people’s hands in a more digestible way. These reports were presented by one of the PPIs during . This work continues in 2025.
Find out more about NSQI's work
National Clinical Programmes
The National Clinical Programmes are a joint initiative between the HSE, medical training colleges, and healthcare professionals, and have input from service users/patient representatives. RCPI contributes to around 15 of the 30 programmes by nominating senior doctors as National Clinical Leads and forming advisory groups.
RCPI Research Ethics Committee
Two PPI contributors sit on this committee, bringing patient expertise to review of research ethics applications. This is particularly helpful in reviewing intended impact of projects. Patient perspective is also helpful in identifying potential repercussions of projects on patients and determining relevance and clarity of project communications and information e.g., leaflets.
Find out more about RCPI's Research Ethics Committee
Quality Improvement
Patients are actively involved in the design and delivery of Quality Improvement (QI) programmes, as well as at QI conferences. They have contributed to a range of educational initiatives, including the COPD Collaborative. Since the inception of QI educational programmes at RCPI, patients have participated through steering groups and working groups, helping to shape programme content and structure. Additionally, patients regularly share their experiences as speakers in the majority of our educational programmes, providing valuable perspectives that enhance learning for all participants.
In 2018, RCPI led a flexible QI collaborative to improve acute COPD care. Patient involvement through co-design was a fundamental driver for change through this project. Patients shaped programme design, acted as co-faculty in Learning Sessions, with personal stories supporting enhanced communication. This involvement helped to ensure care pathways reflected real needs at presentation, admission, and discharge, and supported self-management.
Find out more about QI
Education
At RCPI, it is common practice to involve patient or lay representatives in the design of education interventions where the patient experience forms a key part of the education material.
In 2024-2025, RCPI is demonstrating its commitment to patient involvement in curricula development through a review of the Core Professional Skills element of postgraduate training, which underpins safe, ethical, and effective care across all specialties. Patient Advocacy and Representation Groups are contributing structured feedback through workshops, ensuring the emerging framework reflects patient priorities and experiences.
RCPI is also developing an Education Framework for Inclusion Health, using a co-design approach. This involves interviews and workshops with Health Equity and Advocacy Organisations, represented by people with lived experience and those working directly with them. The framework will help identify the skills doctors need to address health inequities and will inform curricula, fellowships, training resources, and a pilot simulation programme.
Find out more about RCPI's education offering
There is also lay involvement (professional non-physician) on Council and other RCPI Boards and Committees.