About the iIMPROVE Program
The iIMPROVE Program is dedicated to improving emergency care through evidence-based, sustainable change. Our multidisciplinary team brings together consumers, clinicians, researchers, implementation scientists, health economists, biostatisticians, knowledge translation experts, policymakers, and national partners.
Unlike many improvement initiatives that rely primarily on education and local guidelines, iIMPROVE focuses on implementation science to achieve lasting, system-wide change. We use evidence, data, and continuous co-design with consumers and clinicians to develop practical solutions that can be successfully embedded into everyday healthcare.
By building implementation science capability and working closely with health services and policymakers, the iIMPROVE Program is driving sustainable improvements in emergency care and helping shape practice and policy across Australia.
Learning Health System Framework
Our work is guided by the Monash Learning Health System Framework
Our Rationale
1. An Estimated 30% of Healthcare Provides Little or No Benefit and 10% Leads to Harm
Around 30% of healthcare delivers little or no benefit, and approximately 10% results in patient harm. We call this 'unhelpful care'. Beyond its impact on patients, unhelpful healthcare costs Australia more than $150 billion annually — placing significant strain on the health system.
2. The 17-Year Evidence–Practice Gap
On average, it takes 17 years for research evidence to become part of routine clinical practice. This delay means patients may not receive the most current, effective care.
3. Quality Improvement Alone Does Not Sustain Change
While quality improvement initiatives can create short-term gains, behaviour and systems often revert to old practices without structured, long-term strategies.
4. Implementation Science Reduces the Gap to Three Years
Implementation science provides a rigorous methodology to embed evidence into practice. By systematically addressing barriers and enabling sustained behaviour change, it can reduce the 17-year gap to as little as three years — accelerating impact and reducing unhelpful care.
5. High-Value Care is Economically and Environmentally Responsible
Reducing unnecessary tests and treatments improves patient outcomes, lowers healthcare costs, and decreases the carbon footprint of healthcare delivery. High-value care benefits patients, the health system, and the planet.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of consumers, clinicians, researchers, partner health services, funding organisations, and members of our Steering and Advisory Committees who have supported the development of the iIMPROVE digital hub. Their expertise and commitment have been invaluable in shaping this platform.