What you need to to know:
- The new assessment approach retains the 5 key questions and uses a 4-point ratings scale, assessing services against quality statements which replace previous KLOEs, prompts, and ratings characteristics.
- Evidence for assessments will be collected both on-site and off-site, categorised into 6 evidence groups, and assessments can be either responsive or planned.
- Adult social care providers are required to complete an annual provider information return (PIR), and the new approach is being rolled out regionally to allow for testing and improvements.
- During assessments, providers might receive an email notification, and on-site visits may include support from Experts by Experience or specialists. Immediate feedback may be provided post on-site assessments.
- Assessment results will be published as web content, detailing the framework areas reviewed, and providers can request a review of the rating process to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Understanding the New Assessment Approach in Adult Social Care
Introduction to the New Framework
The adult social care sector is changing, bringing new methods for assessing service quality. A significant shift comes with a new assessment framework designed to improve care reliability and quality. This framework keeps the usual 5 key questions but introduces a 4-point rating scale, replacing old elements like KLOEs with quality statements.
What’s New in the Assessment Process?
Evidence Gathering
The approach now includes more diverse evidence collection, both onsite and offsite, grouped into six categories tailored for different care sectors. This ensures thorough evaluations that accurately reflect service quality.
Types of Assessments
New assessments may be responsive or scheduled regularly, with flexibility to adjust their scope as needed during reviews.
Annual Provider Information Return (PIR)
Care providers must continue submitting an annual PIR, which remains crucial for assessments.
Implementation Timeline
This framework will roll out regionally. Providers will receive updates about when new assessments start in their area through direct communication.
Communication and Engagement During Assessments
Notification and Documentation
At an assessment’s start, providers get an email notification, possibly including documentation requests necessary for evaluation.
Site Visits and Feedback
Some evaluations might not need site visits; others do involve visiting facilities alongside experts. Providers get immediate feedback after these visits to ensure transparency.
Reporting and Ratings
Scoring System and Transition
After evaluating services under this system assigns scores that transition existing ratings seamlessly into new ones using quality statements.
Providers can review draft reports before they are finalised, ensuring accuracy.
Publication of Reports and Ratings
Completed reports go online, making them accessible to providers and the public while keeping accountability by updating any changes in ratings publicly available.
This new assessment framework is designed to be more dynamic and transparent, aiming to improve both the process and the outcomes for healthcare providers and their clients. Providers are encouraged to keep their contact details up to date and engage actively with the assessment process.