Make finding your way along the CQC audit trail easier

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Category: News

Published on Monday, 16 January 2012 11:50

Written by SteveL

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CARE home operators are being urged to make the complex process of undertaking audit trails in their homes a lot easier by using an innovative tool which provides all they need to do by using easy-to-follow templates.

The running of care homes is a constant source of news in the national media and the lack of proper auditing is often held up as being the main cause for issues and serious problems.

But it doesn’t have to be this way, according to one firm which has used care sector professionals to design and produce the templates which ensure that the audit trails are completed properly.

Clare Hunter from Outcome Solutions said: “The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is very keen to see care homes undertake regular audit trails of just about every activity that takes place in a home.

“From the care and welfare of residents to the recording of nutritional levels – it can be a complex and time consuming process.

“However, care home staff know they can’t use ‘being busy’ as an excuse for not completing the audit trails on a regular basis.

“And that’s why care home operators should use the services of Outcome Solutions because we deliver the audit trails as CQC want to see them.”

The CQC recommends its outcomes are reviewed regularly and while this complex, time-consuming exercise is often viewed as a distraction its purpose is to ensure the quality of care enjoyed by the people using the service as well as helping to protect the care home operator and their staff in proving that they are delivering high standards of care. 

Clare added: “The CQC do not expect a perfect service that meets each outcome from the start.

“But what they do expect is honesty, transparency, a robust self-assessment and evidence that care home staff are working towards each outcome in a constructive and person-centred way.

“Our audits help providers demonstrate the high quality outcome enjoyed by the people using the services.”

The CQC outcomes ensure that the provision of care for people meets certain essential standards of quality and safety. The standards are measured in 28 regulations – and for each regulation there is an associated outcome which details the experiences that CQC expect people to have as a result of the care they receive.

Clare added: “The recording of these outcomes is vital, for when CQC check a care home’s compliance with the essential standards. Inspectors will focus on key outcomes that most directly relate to the quality and safety of care services and care home providers have to give evidence on how they met those outcomes.”

For more information about the service of Outcome Solutions contact Clare on 01626 832278 or visit  www.outcomesolutions.co.uk.