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Mock inspections are powerful mechanism for identifying deficiencies in documentation, record-keeping, and training gaps, aligning with the evolving landscape of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). As the CQC transitions to a new single assessment framework, the focal point shifts towards quality statements and a heightened emphasis on individuals' experiences.
Under the new framework, the CQC will use six distinct methodologies to assess care services, placing a strong emphasis on people's experiences:
1) People’s experience of health and care service
2) Feedback from staff and leaders
3) Feedback from partners
4) Observation
5) Processes
6) Outcomes
This strategic approach underscores a commitment to person-centred care. The CQC will employ various methods including online surveys, phone surveys, and interviews, to gather diverse feedback. A combination of remote and onsite inspections will likely take place to gather information surrounding the service provision and review and observe its processes.
Although the underlying regulations will remain unchanged, services must avoid complacency. Compliance with CQC regulations remains crucial for sustaining operational viability. While oversight is paramount, the emphasis now shifts towards aligning a service's internal evidence of compliance with the new quality statements and methodologies. With CQC's increased contact approach, services must proactively identify and address any operational gaps as part of an ongoing improvement program.
Effective risk management strategies play a pivotal role in ensuring a safe service. They help in identifying potential hazards and enable the service to implement measures to mitigate these risks. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of incidents that could lead to insurance claims. Through conducting mock inspections, service providers can proactively identify areas of non-compliance or operational weaknesses, enabling corrective actions before they escalate into larger issues.
Quality Care Group is your trusted partner in helping you to navigate these changes. With a decade of collaborative work with various care service partners across the sector, we have access to a panel of 45 expert consultants who can undertake announced and unannounced mock inspections, provide support for evidence gathering, and deliver quality statement training to enhance compliance and governance systems within your service. Our partner ensures a personalised approach, tailored to the unique needs of each service. As the CQC undergoes this transformative shift, maintaining a proactive approach and aligning with external specialists becomes instrumental in ensuring not just compliance but excellence in your service.
“We had a mock CQC inspection completed through Quality Care Group and received the report and action plan a week later. They look good, are easy to read and understand, I would certainly use them again”. Sundial Cottage Care Home
For more information around mock CQC inspections, contact our Risk Control Team on 01273 424904 to start the conversation.
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