HQIP has welcomed the arrival of two major NHS publications supporting quality improvement in healthcare, highlighting the essential role clinical audit will play in adhering to the guidance.
Last month saw the release of ‘NHS 2010-2015: From Good to Great' and also the ‘Operating Framework for 2010/11'.
"HQIP very much welcomes the publication of these two documents, as both have a strong and continuing emphasis on quality as the organising principle in the NHS. Both describe the various activities being developed by the Department to drive up quality and reward high quality practice," commented HQIP Chief Executive Robin Burgess.
"What the documents do not say explicitly is the value and necessity for good clinical audit to measure quality. For example, we very much welcome the new best practice tariffs for four conditions, and in the case of stroke and fragility hip fracture, the role of clinical audit at national level in demonstrating adherence to the best practice standards required to trigger these payments is crucial. In both conditions, national clinical audit data from audits commissioned by HQIP are the main way in which provider trusts will be able to show they meet the standards."
"Once introduced, NICE's new Quality Standards will similarly require audit results to show these standards are being applied. The crucial and central role of audit in measuring and driving up quality underpins the initiatives described in both documents. Trusts will need to ensure their work on clinical audit is effective, well managed, and part of their organisational strategy."
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