BAOMS QOMS: findings from the pilot phase and lessons learned in the feasibility evaluation of a national quality improvement initiative

Background The BAOMS QOMS pilot was developed and run in 6 England OMFS units between December 2019- April 2020. The aims of this pilot project were: to evaluate feasibility of the questionnaires developed for the audit and how effective they were with regards to quality improvement, to test the processes associated with the data collection system and finally, to provide baseline data to support patient data collection without the requirement of prospective consent Patients and methods The pilot included a series of six audits(oral and dentoalveolar [ODA], oncology, orthognathic, reconstruction, trauma and skin). Data entry was clinician-led in five OMFS units and in one unit (EKHU), it was additionally supported by members of the clinical coding team. Results One hundred and twenty-eight REDCap account user details were issued and of these, 45(35%) completed registration and 22(17%) were active users who participated in the pilot data entry. Disproportionate focus on individual audits within QOMS was seen, though not all units offered the full range of service audited. Users suggest the skin and ODA audits were sufficiently clear, but improvement is required in the oncology and reconstruction questionnaire particularly. Conclusion The pilot was successful in aiding the project team identify areas of weaknesses and strength in the design of the REDCap registry and implementation of the next phase of the initiative. The information and experience gained has to date enabled a successful application for section 251 approval from the HRA and progress for the next phase of national data collection.