What Does The CQC’s New Data Driven Approach Mean For Care Groups?

January 20, 2022

In 2021, The Care Quality Commission (CQC) announced a new strategy in which they regulate care homes, as we progress through 2022 we look at how UK Care Homes can adapt and comply with the latest strategy. 

It is fair to say technology is constantly evolving. Consequently, CQC looks to increase the use of data in regulation and keep up to date with the latest developments, so they can become a “smarter regulator”. Their focus will allow them to give Care Home providers valuable and more consistent feedback, which will help them improve their treatment and provide the public with much more up-to-date information.

In this short article, we will discuss the trends that have led to the CQC’s change in strategy, along with the challenges for care homes and how they can be addressed.

Influencing trends that forced change in CQC regulation:

Covid-19:

As we are all aware, the unprecedented times forced upon every sector has seen a change in which they operate, especially the healthcare industry. The new strategy implemented by the CQC will allow them to better forecast emerging trends in the sector when having access to better data from a larger range of sources.

Data Sharing:

Data sharing has the potential to revolutionise the healthcare industry by empowering patients and improving the quality of care. It potentially could lower costs by streamlining care processes, as staff would spend less time processing data and become patient focused. The new digital interface designed by the CQC will provide care organisations with an easier way of viewing, checking and updating information on the CQC website.

Regulation is essential:

CQC aims to use advanced technology and data science technology in order to easily regulate and generate new and up to date insights. Smarter data will also make it easier for organisations to do business with the CQC. Regularly assessing the care home industry is essential in order to regulate the industry and ensure each provider complies with CQC’s standards. 

An added strain on an already busy care industry?

Care providers will now be expected to self report data to the CQC on a more regular basis. With this comes challenges, as many providers are already stretched in terms of resources and are up to their eyes in paper and spreadsheet based quality documentation. Needless to say, those who have embraced change and have move toward automation are in a better position to supply this data to the CQC. 

Helping Care Homes convert to smarter data: 

ViClarity understands the burdens and time-consuming nature of quality reporting. We have been helping Care Homes across the UK and Ireland to automate their current procedures, transforming paper and Excel based processes to real-time views in one centralised platform. 

Many care facilities are still relying on manual-based processes and outdated tools such as spreadsheets to manage quality processes. Manual processes not only take longer, but they represent an increased risk for human error and reliance on specific employees who have been trained in the unique process.

The most common ViClarity modules used by care homes: 

• Auditing - both clinical and non-clinical
• Risk Management
• Incidents/Complaints
• Documentation Management
• Staff Training Management/Repository/Reminders

and many more customisable solutions which can automate any of your manual Excel based workflows. 

We would be happy to discuss your care homes processes further and help your organisation comply with the CQC’s latest requirements.

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