A project from Galway University Hospital has been awarded the prestigious NOCA Quality Improvement Champion Award 2025.
The winning project, titled ‘Improving Prescribing Accuracy of PRN Medications for Haematology/Oncology Patients to Improve Safety and Efficacy,’ was announced at the NOCA Annual Conference 2025, an RCSI Charter Week 2025 event.
The event brought together 500 healthcare professionals from across Ireland and further afield to showcase clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing patient safety and care, with the audience voting for the winning project.
Dr Nessa Keane, Registrar in Palliative Medicine, presented the project, which was led by a multidisciplinary team at Galway University Hospital. The project focused on reducing prescribing errors related to “as needed” (PRN) medications for haematology and oncology patients, achieving a 73% reduction in errors through tailored education, revised guidelines, and increased awareness.
Dr Keane said “I am delighted to accept the NOCA Quality Improvement Champion Award on behalf of the Department of Palliative Medicine at Galway University Hospital. Together, we have made significant progress toward reducing errors in the prescription of medications used on a pro re nata (as needed) basis so as to avoid adverse side effects while maximising efficacy. Our team will now focus on maintaining and building on this progress.“
Collette Tully, Executive Director of NOCA, highlighted the significance of the award and the importance of recognising quality improvement efforts, “Quality improvement initiatives like this are key to driving better outcomes for patients. The NOCA Quality Improvement Champion Award recognises and promotes the incredible work happening in healthcare settings nationwide and highlights how innovation and collaboration can enhance patient safety.”
The NOCA Annual Conference 2025 featured four shortlisted projects for the Quality Improvement Champion Award and over 40 poster presentations showcasing the breadth of clinical audit and quality improvement work across the country.
The winning poster, titled ‘Paediatric Medication Plans for Life-Limiting Conditions.,’ was from Portiuncula University Hospital and presented by Aoife McInerney, Senior Pharmacist. The project involved the development and implementation of individualised, comprehensive medication plans that have significantly improved patient care, particularly for those with life-limiting conditions.
Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Galway and Roscommon said, “The National Office of Clinical Audit has been a major force behind reform in our healthcare system and is essential to improving the quality and transformation of clinical services. These awards honour quality improvement projects that aim to improve patient safety and care, and I want to congratulate our awardees on their accomplishments.”
