Assessment frameworks in the care sector are changing – are you prepared?
Do you know who assesses risk within your estates?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will soon be changing the way it does inspections, and has been gradually rolling out a new single assessment framework to all regions in the UK.
The implement of a new assessment framework will affect providers, local authorities and integrated care systems. It is important that you and those within your estates are aware of who is managing your risks and how they are currently assessed.
You’ll need to be aware of what the contractor’s approach is, methods they will be using to gather information and how to avoid unexpected assessment checks to your sites.
CQC assessments – what will stay the same?
Care Quality Commission’s ratings and 5 key questions will stay central to its approach, and assessments will continue to use:
- 5 key questions (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led)
- 4-point ratings scale (outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate)
Alongside this, on-site and off-site methods will still be used to collect evidence on your estates.
On-site activity remains really important, there will be some changes to the assessments that could highlight new risks, and affect the potential outcome.
CQC assessments – what will the changes be?
Contractors will be spending time on site:
- Observing the care environment, including equipment and premises
- Observing care and how staff interact with people
- Speaking to people using the service
- Speaking to staff and service leaders
Contractors may also visit your sites without giving notice beforehand, in response to a specific concern.
To avoid this, make sure your setting doesn’t have the following:
- Undetected poor or closed culture in a service
- Persistent negative experiences of care from staff or residents
- Concern about transparency and availability of evidence
Our software
Our risk management software can take the lead on your operations management, making the process of assessments and keeping track of your risks seamless and stress-free.
We offer a free downloadable care guide which gives insight into our risk management software for health & social care, features and benefits to help you manage your risks, stay compliant and keep all those using hour facilities safe.
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