Just as practices have become used to inspections, the CQC has (inevitably) changed the inspection framework it’s going to use.
The new framework will continue to use five key questions (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led) and the overall ratings will remain the same, but the CQC has introduced six new evidence categories. These contain quality statements under specific topic areas which replace the old KLOEs. The idea is that the same framework will be used across all healthcare providers, the aim being to make the assessments more transparent.
It’s hard to see how this change is going to help GP practices, but the change has now come so all we can do is get ready for it. In the latest episode of the podcast, Robyn Clark and I are joined by CQC inspector Rathai Thevananth, and we try to find out more about the new framework. We try to discover if the new framework will be more consistent or even simpler than the previous one, and whether there will be any changes to how the inspection is run on the day.
The new framework is being rolled out on a region-by-region basis, and has already started in the South and in London. It should be rolled out everywhere by the end of March. One of the key messages that came out of our conversation is that practices need to be ready now for the new changes, as practices will still only receive the standard two-week notification that the CQC visit will be taking place.
Top tips from CQC inspector Rathai include:
- Make sure the practice can evidence how it has worked on any issues raised at the last CQC inspection
- Review what the national data says about the practice and outline what the practice is doing about it
- Have all logs and risk assessments up to date, as well as action plans completed
- Ensure that the CQC searches on the clinical system have been undertaken in advance
- Have action plans in place based on patient survey results, especially the national patient survey
- Ensure that HR files and training records are up to date
- Share out the preparation across the practice team, and don’t let it all fall on one individual
You can find out what she had to say about all of these points (and more!) by listening to the episode. Only time will tell what the impact of the changes will be on practices, but I think it’s fair to say that in the short term, the biggest burden will fall on practice managers and practice CQC leads who will need to get their heads around these new changes to make sure their practices are ready.
For more information join our free webinar with Rathai on Understanding the New CQC Framework on Thursday 1st February at 12.30pm or Thursday 29th February at 12.30pm.
For an easier way to manage your next CQC assessment, check out CQC Manager in the Practice Index HUB.
CQC Manager is an ideal way to effectively collate and present all evidence required for the CQC in one central, secure place and is available as part of the Practice Index Compliance Package.
Each KLOE is packed with advice on what evidence to add as well as cross-mapped GP mythbusters. Every Practice Index course and policy is listed as either mandatory, expected or suggested evidence. They have even cross mapped every KLOE over to Quality Statements so when you are ready to switch your evidence will be automatically moved to the corresponding Quality Statement.
The Compliance Package helps you to record, assign, track and report on all of your compliance actions in one place. Head over the HUB to find out more.
To find out more about CQC Manager, please click on the links below to book a place for you and your colleagues at one of our demos.
Monday 29th January at 3.30pm
Monday 5th February at 10am
Wednesday 7th February at 2pm
We also run weekly sessions on Wednesdays at 2pm. You can book a place here.
January 26, 2024 at 3:51 pm
Really great article – thank you!
January 26, 2024 at 3:51 pm
Really great article – thank you!
January 29, 2024 at 1:04 pm
Will the CQC handbook be updated for the quality Statements instead of KLOES
January 29, 2024 at 1:17 pm
The CQC Handbook has been updated and proofread and we are mindful that the rollout of the new regulatory approach has been completed. Once this is the case, we will issue the updated handbook
February 22, 2024 at 8:56 am
Hi
LLR Practice Manager Academy informed me that there is another webinar taking place on Thurs 29th Feb re understanding the new CQC framework and sent me this link to register. However the only dates i can find are for January and early Feb, and not the one for 29/02. Are you able to register me for this event or is somebody able to send me the link to do so?
Many thanks
Katie
February 26, 2024 at 10:54 am
Good morning
Due to popular demand, we are running two further webinars on Thursday 29th February and Thursday 28th March. You can click on the following links to book a place.
Thursday 29th February
Thursday 28th March