Using the Care Excellence Framework to benchmark and improve patient care

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Clinical Governance
• Hospital Management

Background:

• Defining and measuring healthcare quality is complex and varies between institutions.
• Existing quality assurance processes often lack integration and comprehensive assessment.
• The need for a standardized, internal framework to drive excellence in patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the development and implementation of the Care Excellence Framework (CEF).
• To demonstrate the CEF's function as an internal accreditation system.
• To illustrate how the CEF encourages staff-led change and care transformation.

Main Methods:

• Development of the integrated Care Excellence Framework (CEF).
• Utilizing a multi-faceted approach: measurement, clinical observation, patient/staff interviews, and benchmarking.
• Implementing an internal accreditation system aligned with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) domains and standards.

Main Results:

• The CEF has been operational since autumn 2016 across all organizational areas.
• The framework provides assurance from ward to board, reflecting CQC standards.
• Successful application in an acute care setting demonstrating potential for care transformation.

Conclusions:

• The Care Excellence Framework (CEF) provides a robust, integrated system for quality assurance and improvement.
• The CEF acts as an effective internal accreditation mechanism, promoting adherence to standards.
• This framework empowers staff to drive significant positive change, elevating care from ordinary to excellent.