The new system is already in use and is currently seen as a developing process and regulatory model. The changes will move away from a time-bound approach to inspection. The new model will have a flexible approach where inspections will be only one part of the assessment process, with an emphasis on quality and risk management.
The new model will include:
- Registration is the first assessment activity in an integrated process based on a single assessment framework.
- Four ratings and five key questions remain central to the approach.
- A new set of focused quality statements will replace the Key lines of enquiry (KLOEs)
- The ratings will be more frequently updated and will not solely rely on inspection. That said, inspections will remain a tool for assessing quality.
- A set of evidence will be used to assess different types of providers and a scoring approach that supports greater consistency.
- The reports will be simpler, shorter and more transparent about the quality of care.
In replacing the KLOEs, the CQC will monitor standards of care using 34 quality statements. These statements are referred to as "we statements" as they will be written from the provider's perspective.
The quality statements will focus on clear topics meaning that the duplication seen in the KLOEs will be reduced.
Moving forward:
- Safety will be focused on safety cultures and learning.
- Effective will be looking at teams and how they work together to improve standards.
- Caring focuses on listening to people's voices and the workforce's well-being.
- Responsive will include equity of access, experience and outcomes.
- Well-led will look at the sustainability of services and the environment.
The areas highlighted are just examples of the changes to expect.
CQC has issued information on the evidence they will review and keep under review going forward. Governance processes will be vital for all providers. Many providers may feel it is time to review their governance structures to ensure compliance and build the evidence required. There will be a need for evidence that the organisation is a learning environment, where lessons learnt from incidents are embedded within processes and staff practices.
The Swift Management team has considerable experience in governance at every level, with team members working in governance advisory roles within the NHS, private and voluntary sectors. We can review provider's current governance structures and advise on structure and process changes where required. If you feel you would benefit from a governance review, please get in touch for more information.