Maintaining quality of aged care in institutions: from structure to outcome

Maintenance of quality of care in Australian nursing homes has evolved, being initially concerned mainly with physical features of the buildings. Progress occurred when regulations were introduced for nursing practices, staff levels and procedures generally. In the present phase, the focus has been on outcome in terms of the quality of life of the residents. This is being achieved by laying down specific outcome standards and their implementation is controlled by an inspectorial system that has the capacity to apply sanctions.