Participation in quality collaboratives is one of the tools that are used to improve quality in the health care services. The purpose of such collaboratives is to increase competence in different areas, and to improve the quality of the services. The core is joint education and training across professions, departments and organizations. This is in line with the goals of the National Health and Care Services Plan (2011 – 2015).

Main findings

• The evidence underlying quality collaboratives is positive but limited. Weaknesses in study design means that one can not determine if the reported improvements are a result of participation in collaboratives, or due to other factors.
• Experience from quality collaboratives in Norway and other countries indicates that participation has increased the quality of the services. In some collaboratives before and after measurements indicate major improvements. However, it is difficult to document that the improvements are mainly due to participation in collaboratives, or because of other factors.
• Experience from collaboratives show that many participants experience professional and organizational development, and that participation provides a breeding ground for increased collaboration with other organizations.
• Research points to some success criteria necessary to achieve the goals of collaboratives. These include: Engagement by management and staff, an organizational culture who promotes quality improvement, and access to accurate and complete data about the quality of the services. Experiences from collaboratives supports the conclusion that these factors are of great importance.