The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken a bold step forward with the introduction of its innovative single assessment framework, revolutionizing how health and social care services will be evaluated in the UK.
This blog takes a closer look at the framework’s details and crucial rollout dates for the national implementation.
The Dawn of a New Era in Care Quality Assessment
Published on 18 July 2022 and last updated on 11 July 2023, the new CQC framework is a landmark in the commission’s journey towards more streamlined, effective, and person-centered care assessments. It’s built around the CQC’s established five key questions and ratings system but introduces significant enhancements to improve clarity and focus.
Key Features of the New Framework
Quality Statements: Replacing the previous Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) and prompts, these are simplified, clear ‘we statements’ from a provider’s perspective, making it easier to understand and meet the CQC’s expectations.
Six Evidence Categories: To ensure a structured and consistent approach, the evidence collected now falls into six categories, ranging from people’s experiences to outcomes of care.
Emphasis on Learning and Improvement: The framework stresses the importance of nurturing cultures within services that are geared towards continuous learning and improvement.
Rolling Out the New Framework: Key Dates to Remember
The CQC is set to roll out its new assessment framework in phases, ensuring a smooth transition for providers and stakeholders. Here are the key dates:
NATIONAL CQC ROLLOUT DATES
21 November 2023
Early Adopters: 14 services in the South Region begin using the new framework.
5 December 2023
South Region Expansion: Broader implementation in the South Region.
Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes ICS Area: Simultaneous adoption of the new assessment approach.
London & East Region: The framework goes live in these regions.
6 February 2024
North & Midlands Region: These areas join the fold.
NHS Trust Well-Led Assessments: Nationwide adoption across all NHS Trusts.
Impact and Benefits
The framework not only aims to refine how the quality of care is assessed but also ensures that the assessment process itself is more transparent and focused on the essential aspects of care. This change is expected to bring about:
Enhanced Clarity:
Providers will have a much clearer understanding of what is expected from them. With structured evidence categories, assessments across various services are poised to be more consistent. By focusing on improvement and learning cultures, the framework aims to uplift the overall quality of care services. To assist in this significant transition, the CQC has actively engaged with stakeholders and providers, incorporating feedback to refine the framework. Emphasizing simplicity and understanding, the CQC has also revised the language used in the quality statements, making them more accessible. With the introduction of practical guidance and examples of evidence for each category, the CQC ensures that providers are not left in the dark regarding the new expectations and assessment process. The phased introduction of the new CQC framework marks a pivotal chapter in the UK’s health and social care sector. It’s a step towards not just meeting regulatory standards but fostering an environment of continuous improvement and high-quality care. Stay tuned and prepared for these exciting changes as we embrace a more streamlined, effective approach to care quality assessment! Keep your eyes on the calendar and gear up for these critical dates. The new CQC framework is more than just a regulatory shift; it’s about enhancing the quality of care for all.Consistency in Judgements:
Better Care Outcomes:
Transitioning to the New Framework
Guidance for Providers
A Step Forward