Intelligent monitoring overview

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What is Intelligent Monitoring

As part of the New model of regulation and inspection, the CQC recently published their Intelligent Monitoring dataset for GP practices across the country.
(Click here to see the CQC map)

The Intelligent Monitoring (IM) report pulls together information, available in the public domain e.g. QOF reports, Patient survey etc. to give the inspectors a clearer understanding of strengths/weakness of each provider, therefore allowing for targeted inspections visits.

Whilst the CQC are claiming that this part of their new inspection methodology, as far back as early 2009 they announced they would be compiling a risk profile on each service provider. “Practices identified as at high risk could expect to face a toughened-up inspection regime while low-risk practices might enjoy a lighter-touch approach.”

Editors Comments:

Whilst the CQC have set themselves targets to inspect all GP practices over the next two years it is common knowledge that they are somewhat behind in meeting these targets due to a shortage of inspectors. Targeted inspections is an efficient use of the CQC resources to prioritise when, where and who to inspect first.

Do remember that the intelligent monitoring data is nothing new. CQC has used Quality and Risk Profile (QRP) for each provider type over the last few years as an internal tool to monitor compliance; and the publication of the IM report is CQC's effort at transparency. (IM reports have been published for all healthcare sectors monitored by the CQC)

The final judgement of a practice is based on the inspection report and not the pre-inspection banding/risk rating etc. When CQC identifies a ‘risk’ or ‘elevated risk’, it does not necessarily mean that people using the practice are at risk, but where certain patients may be at risk.

The CQC aim to update the IM report regularly, based on the most current indicators available to them. So the easiest way to change or improve your banding is to ensure that your practice is achieving the national targets.

 

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