Objective three - Inspections support improvements in quality and performance
Objective 3 is underpinned by 5 practices that promote the development of an inspection regime that supports service improvement, by:
- recognising and spreading notable practice
- focusing on improving care and outcomes for service users
- encouraging the use of information from inspections to inform policy developments
Practice 3.1: Recognise improvement and good practice
Inspecting bodies ensure, through objective assessment, that improvement and best practice in the provision of health and social care are identified and recognised.
Practice 3.2: Spread good practice, encourage innovation and learn from experience
Inspecting bodies ensure that information about the best and/or most innovative practices they identify during inspections is communicated to relevant agencies. They draw attention to areas of improvement, and how that has been achieved, and share views and information about how improved performance might be encouraged. Inspecting bodies identify unsatisfactory practices so that others can take corrective action where necessary.
Practice 3.3: Focus on improving care and outcomes for service users
Inspecting bodies focus as far as possible on outcomes for health and social care. Where relevant this includes the contribution and needs of staff and trainees, minimising risks to staff and securing better value for money.
Practice 3.4: Contribute to the development and delivery of policy
Relevant information from inspections is used to inform the development of policy and the evaluation of its delivery. The Department of Health and inspecting bodies form partnerships with national, regional and local policy makers, performance managers, supporting organisations (such as the Modernisation Agency) and those responsible for delivery.
Practice 3.5: Facilitate self assessment and continuous improvement of services
Where appropriate, inspecting bodies provide support and guidance to healthcare bodies and their staff to develop tools for self assessment that can contribute to the continuous measurement, improvement and cultural suitability of services.
