The Standards team at Skills for Health are now in the process of developing the QA framework model (EQuIP Enhancing Quality in Partnership) which will meet the requirements of Schedule 3 of the MPET National Standard Contract. This work builds on Major Review and takes into account the evaluations of Ongoing Quality Monitoring and Enhancement and Approval prototypes in 2004-05.
In tandem with the above work an IT Solutions Steering Group will be exploring the introduction of a web-based solution, for all providers of healthcare education in both academic and practice settings, which will be key to reducing the burden of inspection for healthcare providers and academic education providers.
While removing the paper based burden of quality assurance, IT solutions should address the issue of collecting evidence required by a number of organisations and enable this evidence to be easily shared.
Subject to the decision of the Department of Health (England), who have commissioned Skills for Health to develop the Framework, it is anticipated that the QA framework will be available for implementation by commissioners (Strategic Health Authorities) with higher education institutions and their partner practice providers from the Autumn of 2008.
EQuIP Consultation
Summary of Consultation Responses
Skills for Health are pleased to publish a report summarising responses from a four month consultation (September 2007 to January 2008) regarding proposed Quality Assurance arrangements for health care education in England (EQuIP), and wishes to thank all those who responded to the consultation.
The report has been subject to external verification, undertaken for Skills for Health by The Mackinnon Partnership. Mackinnon concluded that “the report of the consultation is a balanced and fair representation of the comments made”.
The report has been submitted to the Department of Health, with whom Skills for Health is now discussing next steps. Click here for the report.
Literature Review - The Mackinnon Report
In Spring 2007 Skills for Health commissioned The Mackinnon Partnership to undertake a review to test the evidence on the relationship between the quality of healthcare education and the quality of health care delivery. The attached report outlines the process and findings of that review. Should you require further information please contact Jane Fox, Senior Quality Assurance Co-ordinator - jane.l.fox@skillsforhealth.org.uk
QA Newsletter
However you come to be reading QA News , we hope that you enjoy the new format. Let us know what you think of QA News and do let us know if you have ideas or features you’d like to see in future editions or would like to receive future editions please contact us.
Statement of Shared Principles
Working through the QA Partners Forum, Skills for Health, its partners, including regulators, education commissioners and education providers, have agreed a Statement of Shared Principles in relation to the Quality Assurance of Healthcare Education. The Statement will, amongst other purposes, support identification of future areas of shared interest and action.
Review of Subject Benchmark Statements for NHS-funded HE
Following discussion with key partners, SfH commissioned the consultants OPM early in 2007 to review the set of subject benchmarks statements (SBSs) for Higher Education in NHS-funded subject areas including nursing and midwifery and a range of allied health professions. These were originally commissioned by the Department of Health (England) and the contract subsequently managed by Skills for Health. Through the Partners Forum Skills for Health are considering a further commissioned piece of work.
Public and Learner Information
‘Influence Today, Improve tomorrow - you can influence the quality of healthcare education’ August 2006 - click here to access the Public and Learner Leaflet and audio version. To obtain copies of both the leaflet and the CD please contact: June Clarke. Watch here for a dedicated site sometime in the future.
Mapping of partners’ standards
Skills for Health Standards Team have carried out a mapping of standards from health and social care statutory, regulatory, reviewing and accrediting bodies with an interest in or impact on healthcare education and learning. This mapping was carried out in late 2006.
Best Practice in QA of healthcare education and training
QA International Best Practice Report (December 2005)
Executive summary International Best Practice Report
If you require any other information please contact
Sarah Hutchinson
