|
CSCI is proposing something
of a revolution in the way residential homes are assessed. Now,
not only will there be three kinds of inspection but, more importantly,
the main focus of these inspections will be based on a defined set
of outcomes for residents rather than on a set of minimum standards
to be met. Consequently, providers will now need to be more explicit
in the way they gather and present information about their facilities
and services and will need to demonstrate how they are achieving
outcomes measured against a set of objectives that have been agreed
with residents and relatives.
The proposed framework for assessment of quality is currently in
the public arena for consultation and includes outcome-based Key
Lines Of Regulatory Assessment - KLORA. These outcomes are described
under headings such as Choice of Home; Daily Life and Social Activities;
Complaints and Protection and Equality and Diversity. They also
include the more traditional areas covered in quality assessments
such as Management, Administration, Staffing and Environment (see
www.csci.gov.uk for more detail). What is of great interest is not
only the change of emphasis to outcomes but also the greater importance
attributed to those areas which impact most directly residents and
their quality of life on a day-to-day basis.
The popular media have picked up on some of the ways CSCI proposes
to describe the quality of a home and drawn comparisons between
the star system for hotels and the proposed system for residential
facilities. While this may seem trite to those in the industry,
it will, inevitably influence how communities and potential residents
and their families view individual homes or groups of homes. Instead
of having a simple Yes or No in regard to whether or not minimum
standards are met, there will be gradations of quality from a four
star -excellent - to one star - poor - in relation to each of the
outcomes. Homes seeking to maintain their current reputation, or
to enhance it, will be under pressure to demonstrate "excellence"
within the new outcomes-driven KLORA categories. They will indeed
need to reach for the stars.
If the proposed CSCI approach is implemented it will require many
homes to re-think their quality assurance systems and to find effective
ways to gather and interpret evidence on a continuous basis in what
might well be new areas of focus for them. They will need to establish
the infrastructure for self-assessment against the KLORA guidelines
as well as mechanisms to improve their ratings if they are not already
in the four-star band.
Homes may find the use of external consultancy services useful in
establishing a quality programme that "works for them"
and that fits the working practices within their particular care
environment. Derek Browne and Associates have worked for many years
on quality systems and methodology in residential care settings
and have followed the CSCI approach very closely. Working closely
with and supporting a wide range of homes across the UK, all whom
have strived to achieve significant, or in some cases, startling
improvements, the DBA quality process have developed and evolved.
DBA's Senti Resident Centred Quality™ Methodology is based
on the fundamental belief that the needs and views of residents
are the starting point for measuring service quality and planning
for improvement. It incorporates a comprehensive quality and management
system for residential and nursing care homes and sits comfortably
within the philosophy and shape of the proposed CSCI Annual Quality
Assurance Assessment exercise and the KLORA outcomes. For example,
a direct line can be drawn from the results of the Senti ™
'Listening' activity and Relative/Family surveys to specific KLORA
outcomes such as Daily Life and Social Activities.
Derek Browne is a Director and the founder of Derek Browne &
Associates (DBA) e-mail: derekbrowne1@compuserve.com
DBA have been instrumental in developing self-assessment processes
for the Care Sector - with over 10 years spent in perfecting an
internal audit/quality system for elderly residential & nursing
homes and hospitals.
The Methodology includes processes for compiling evidence of resident-based
care planning, measures of resident contentment and so on. It also
incorporates strategies for involving staff at all levels, including
front-line care assistants, in planning and implementing improvements
and maintaining consistency.
Reports generated by Derek Browne and Associates are tailor-made
for individual homes or groups and provide valuable evidence for
the inspection process. The Senti Resident Centred Quality™
Methodology will be of even more relevance with the introduction
of the new assessment criteria by CSCI and will be invaluable for
managers and owners seeking to enhance their opportunities by reaching
for the CSCI stars.
|