To build a robust quality programme, quality managers should ask themselves 5 key questions. We use this framework at Tendable regularly with our partners, including at our most recent QEE
WHAT? risks are you trying to mitigate with your audit programme
WHO? should be involved in the quality programme
WHERE? within your organisation should audits be completed
WHEN? should data be captured against your audit themes
WHY? should staff capture and review quality data
Using this framework you can ensure your quality audit programme meets the core fundamentals of an effective process. Within this blog, we will be focusing on Where? and empower the front-line.
Front line staff are the organisation's eyes and ears
Within any health and social care setting, front-line staff are the organisation's eyes and ears, directly interacting with patients and ensuring quality standards are met in real time. Therefore, empowering our front-line teams are essential for improving patient outcomes and achieving a high standard of care. Here are some of the ways healthcare organisations can effectively empower their front-line staff:
Training
Front-line healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors and support staff, should receive thorough training not only in medical procedures and patient care but also in inspection, data and reporting. On-going training allows them to ensure they are keeping up with national guidelines, they can track their quality improvement journey as well as easily report on how they're doing internally and externally. In order to provide the best possible care.
Creating a culture of continuous improvement
Creating a culture where front-line staff feel comfortable voicing their observations, concerns, and suggestions is crucial. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and an open-door policy with management encourage this dialogue. Listening to their input can lead to significant improvements in how care standards are met, patient experience and overall hospital efficiency when it comes to inspections.
Decision-Making Autonomy
Allowing front-line staff to make certain decisions independently can lead to quicker, more effective patient care. For instance, enabling nurses to administer certain treatments without waiting for a physician's approval can save critical time in emergency situations. Empowered staff are more responsive and can better address patient needs on the spot.
Recognition and Reward
Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of front-line staff is vital for maintaining high morale. Regular recognition through awards, shout-outs and prizes can significantly boost their motivation and job satisfaction. Feeling valued encourages staff to maintain a high level of quality care.
Access to resource
Providing front-line staff with the necessary tools and resources, such as data-capturing tools, enhanced analytics and reporting. This ensures they can perform their duties effectively. A well-supported team can focus more on patient care rather than feeling the burden of paperwork.
Do you and your central quality team engage in walk-arounds to supplement Peer-Expert inspections?
Walk-arounds are an effective strategy for central quality teams to supplement peer expert evaluations. By regularly engaging in walk-arounds, quality team members can observe processes, identify potential issues, and ensure that best practices are consistently applied across the organisation. This hands-on approach compliments the insights provided by peer experts but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. It allows the quality team to gather real-time data, engage with their team, and address issues promptly. Ultimately, walk-arounds help teams get close to the issues flagged by their peers, allowing them to action accurately, enhancing overall quality and efficiency.
Other ways you can empower your front-line teams:
Picture speaks 1000 words
When it comes to collecting evidence to support your inspections. We believe that a photographer significantly enhances communication, as pictures can convey the complexity of an issue at hand more effectively than words alone. This approach provides valuable learning and development opportunities, empowering your staff to visually understand and address issues.
Multi-faceted solution
For specific inspections, such as monthly assurance audits, using your desktop allows for a detailed and thorough review of records. Additionally, the ability to seamlessly transfer data from mobile devices to desktop systems for complex audits ensures that no data or time is lost. This integration of mobile and desktop technology streamlines the audit process, improving efficiency, accuracy and overall quality of care.
To find out how we can design your quality audit programme - reach out to our team!
