QPA - The Process
Practices have 18 months from the date
of application to the date of submission of evidence.
Practices undertaking the award are allocated a QPA advisor whose
role is to provide advice on the criteria throughout the whole
process of preparation.
Each practice is required to submit a
portfolio of written evidence set against 21 sets of
criteria.
Once a practice submits their written
evidence, a full day assessment visit is conducted by a panel of
four, comprising of a combination of GP, Nurse, Manager and Lay
assessors. The visit provides an opportunity to:
- Confirm that the written
evidence agrees with what happens in practice
- Check specifics regarding
the premises and equipment etc
- Celebrate and acknowledge
the standards reached (supporting team morale and development)
- Gather information and
thoughts for formative feedback and constructively challenge the
Practice above and beyond the criteria standards
Points 3 & 4 are the major
parts of the visit and form the most important aspects of the whole
process. The purpose of the award is to improve patient care by
encouraging and supporting practices to deliver high quality care
to their patients. The scheme recognizes the commitment of the
entire PHCT in providing high quality care for patients within a
learning and adaptive environment.
Two powerpoint presentations about the process of undertaking
QPA are available to download here and here