Welcome to the Healthcare Improvement Forum

For three decades, we have been the global meeting place for professionals dedicated to making healthcare better. We have shared groundbreaking research, tackled complex systemic challenges, and built a worldwide community of change-makers.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are excited to announce the next step in our journey: we are officially evolving our name from the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare to the Healthcare Improvement Forum.

A legacy 30 years in the making

The origins of the Forum lie in a serendipitous misunderstanding back in 1996. Richard Smith (former editor of The BMJ) reached out to Don Berwick (founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement) to ask if IHI’s successful US forum might be hosted in London for one year. Don thought Richard meant starting an entirely new forum together. They quickly realised they were on the exact same page, and the event was born.

From just 300 attendees at that first London gathering to thousands of participants joining us across Europe, Asia, and Australasia today, the Forum has become a professional home for those who believe that quality improvement is a core clinical and leadership responsibility.

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Why the name change?

As our global community has grown, so has the need for a brand that is sharp, memorable, and action-oriented. We wanted a name that reflects the energy of our attendees. ‘Improvement’ isn’t just a concept; it is an active, continuous process that requires dedication and momentum.

By becoming the Healthcare Improvement Forum, we are putting that forward momentum front and centre.

Our core mission remains the same

While our name is shorter, our foundational pillars haven’t shifted. Our new strapline – Advancing quality and safety worldwide serves as a daily reminder of exactly what we are here to achieve together.
Crucially, the deep-rooted partnership behind the event remains unchanged. The Forum is still proudly brought to you by BMJ Group and IHI. We will continue to combine BMJ Group’s rigorous, evidence-based insights with IHI’s unparalleled expertise in improvement science, just as we have since 1996.

What this means for you

Whether you are a long-time attendee or joining us for the first time, you can expect the exact same world-class programming, immersive learning, and inspiring networking that you have always trusted us to deliver. Your accounts, registrations, and submitted work remain entirely unaffected.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Healthcare Improvement Forum and to continuing our work to advance quality and safety worldwide, together.

For more details, please see our FAQs, and if you have any questions about the new name or the transition, please feel free to contact our team at events@bmj.com.

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  • Why is the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare changing its name?

    We are updating our name to the Healthcare Improvement Forum because it is clearer, more concise, and better reflects the active, dynamic nature of our global audience. Over the years, we have grown to be much more than just an annual conference. We are a year-round community that connects through our regular newsletters, webinars, and continuous learning opportunities. ‘Improvement’ is the driving force behind everything we do across all of these platforms. While our name is shorter, our core mission remains exactly the same, which is why our new strapline is Advancing quality and safety worldwide.

  • I recently submitted an application to be a speaker or to present a poster. Does this name change affect my submission?

    No, your submission is completely unaffected. All applications for speaking roles and poster presentations are safely in our system and are being processed as normal by our review committee. If your proposal is accepted, you will simply be presenting at the newly named Healthcare Improvement Forum. You do not need to resubmit your application or update any of your materials.

  • Has the International Forum been bought out, or are BMJ and IHI still running it?

    There has been no change in ownership or management. The event is still proudly presented by BMJ Group and IHI. The same dedicated teams are behind the programming, structure, and vision of the Forum, continuing our long-standing partnership.

  • Will the content, themes, or focus of the conferences change?

    No. The Healthcare Improvement Forum will continue to be a leading global gathering for learning about healthcare quality, patient care, and clinical safety. You can expect the same world-class speakers, evidence-based sessions, and networking opportunities. We are simply updating our brand to better reflect the proactive work our attendees do every day.

  • Do I need to update my registration, account details, or past purchases?

    Not at all. All existing registrations, login credentials, and account details remain completely valid and have been automatically transferred under the new brand. You will start seeing the new Healthcare Improvement Forum logo in our emails and website, but no action is required on your part.

  • Are the upcoming locations and dates changing?

    No, our upcoming conference schedule remains exactly as planned. We look forward to welcoming you to the Healthcare Improvement Forum at our scheduled host cities.

  • Will you be launching a new website for the new brand?

    Yes, we will be launching a new website, but we are doing this in phases to ensure a smooth transition. The new site won’t officially launch for another 12 months. In the meantime, you can continue using our current website just as you always have. Once the new site is live, both our old and new web addresses (URLs) will remain valid and will automatically direct you to the right place, so any saved links or bookmarks will continue to work perfectly.

  • Does the rebranding impact the Global Top Improver Awards, and can I still participate?

    Not at all. The Global Top Improver Awards remain a core part of our mission to recognise outstanding individuals and teams driving change in healthcare. The award categories, deadlines, and eligibility criteria are completely unaffected by the name change. We highly encourage you to submit their work, and the final winners will be proudly celebrated on the main stage at the newly named Healthcare Improvement Forum.