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The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework: How, when and why is it changing?
As health and social care providers across England prepare for the CQC’s Single Assessment Framework, and the changes to how it monitors services and conducts inspections, Care Ideals takes a deeper look into the changes. This transformative approach is set to redefine how care quality is assessed, with a focus on uniformity, person-centred care and adaptability.
Why is the CQC changing to a Single Assessment Framework?
Coherence and Consistency:
- Problem: The previous model involved separate assessments for various services, leading to potential inconsistencies.
- Solution: The new framework aims to provide a cohesive and standardised assessment process for all health and social care providers, ensuring consistency across the board.
Person-Centred Care:
- Problem: The previous system sometimes neglected the individual experiences of those receiving care.
- Solution: The new framework places a strong emphasis on person-centred care, acknowledging the importance of compassion, dignity and respect in the evaluation process.
Transparency and Engagement:
- Problem: Lack of engagement and transparency in the assessment process.
- Solution: The new framework encourages collaboration and active involvement of service users, families and staff, fostering a culture of feedback, transparency and accountability.
Adaptability to Change:
- Problem: The health and social care landscape is constantly evolving, requiring a more adaptable assessment approach.
- Solution: The new framework is designed to be dynamic, allowing adjustments to align with changes in best practice, technological advancement and societal needs.
When is the CQC changing to its Single Assessment Framework?
The CQC changed to the Single Assessment Framework from 5th December 2023. The staged rollout with continue through to February 2024 after which all providers will be assessed under the new framework, with CQC using the new approach for applications to register a new activity or service.
How will the CQC’s Single Assessment Framework change inspections?
Unified Assessment Process:
- Change: Replaces separate assessments with a unified model, streamlining the evaluation process for all types of health and social care services.
Person-Centred Approach:
- Change: Actively involves service users, their families and staff in the assessment process, ensuring individual perspectives are integral to the evaluation.
Dynamic and Adaptable:
- Change: Designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on evolving health and social care practices and standards.
Data-Driven Evaluation:
- Change: Emphasises the importance of robust data collection, analysis and interpretation to maintain objectivity and consistency.
What are the key questions addressed by the CQC’s new Single Assessment Framework?
Is the Care Person-Centred?
Questions:
- Does the care respect individual preferences?
- How are service users involved in decision-making?
- Is the Care Safe and Effective?
Questions:
- Are safety measures in place to prevent harm?
- How effective are clinical and non-clinical aspects of care?
- Is the Care Well-Led and Responsive?
Questions:
- How does leadership contribute to transparency?
- How responsive is the provider to changing healthcare needs?
What are the quality statements of the CQC’s new Single Assessment Framework?
There are multiple quality statements for each key question and each is assessed and scored.
Person-Centredness:
- Example Statement: “The care provided respects and values individual needs, preferences and choices.”
Safety and Effectiveness:
- Example Statement: “The provider ensures a safe environment and positive outcomes through effective care practices.”
Well-Led and Responsive:
Example Statement: “Leadership fosters a culture of openness and accountability, responding proactively to changes in healthcare needs.”
What will the scoring mechanism be for quality statements in the CQC’s new Single Assessment Framework?
Each quality statement will be assessed on a scale, with scores ranging from 1 to 5
A score of 1 indicates a substantial need for improvement, while a score of 5 reflects exemplary performance.
The overall assessment considers the cumulative scores for all quality statements. The cumulative score then provides the rating for each key question, and these ratings in turn are aggregated to provide the service’s overall rating. This evidences a comprehensive evaluation of a provider’s performance.
What are the “I Statements” the CQC will consider in their Single Assessment Framework?
Putting the individual at the centre of their care:
I Am Heard:
- Example Statement: “Service users and their families have a platform to voice opinions and preferences in their care.”
I Am Safe:
- Example Statement: “The provider implements measures to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals receiving care.”
I Am Valued:
- Example Statement: “Person-centred care acknowledges and respects the inherent value of each individual.”
I Am Part of Improvement:
- Example Statement: “Service users actively contribute to the continuous improvement of care practices through feedback and engagement.”
In conclusion, the CQC Single Assessment Framework signifies a significant shift towards a more comprehensive, person-centred, and adaptable approach to evaluating health and social care providers. As the sector braces for this change, the focus remains on ensuring the highest standard of care for every individual.
For more help, information, guidance, or support, please get in touch with Care Ideals.
