Getting the word out about your projects is critical. Once you have completed stakeholder analysis, the next step is to put together a communications plan.
In your plan you should list the channels (methods) you plan to use. Here are some of the most commonly used channels.
- Posters
- Intranet
- Staff newsletter
- Flyers
- Staff meetings
- Drop-in sessions.
Face-to-face channels are the most effective for engagement. Ensure that you include engagement activities for your most important stakeholders.
In your plan, consider at what stage of the project you need to communicate with each stakeholder/stakeholder group. There may be some stakeholders who only need communicating with at the beginning and end of the project; others will require more regular updates as they are more heavily involved in the improvement. This can also be helpful for looking at where there is lots of activity in one particular period – helping you to manage your activities so that you do not overload your audience with information at any given time.
Your may find your local NHS Communications Department may be able to offer support in developing and implementing a communication and engagement plan. They may also help you to access resources, such as; logos, photo library, publishing to the local intranet or in the staff newsletter.
Resources
The Health Foundation have developed a practical guide to help you effectively communicate and spread your improvement work. View the communications approaches guide.
Our practical guide to making a QI poster for submission to conferences includes top tips from a submissions judge, answers to your most common questions, templates and advice on imagery and infographics. Read our QI poster guide.
In a hurry? Watch our short videos from our Black Maternity Matters QI webinars on putting together a communications plan…
