Why do we need a Quality Strategy?
We need a Quality Strategy to help us build on what we have achieved and establish a single set of shared ambitions for us all; ambitions that are based on the Institute of Medicine's framework of six dimensions of quality, and reinforced by the messages that service users, carers and the public have given us.
These Quality Ambitions will provide a context for us to prioritise and align our activity with partners in the pursuit of our ultimate goal of delivering world-leading quality healthcare for everyone in Scotland. In this way, we all share an understanding of what healthcare quality means for Scotland.
What does person-centredness mean?
Person-centred care is about responding to the needs of the individual and on the outcome of intervention not just output, considering what the person needs formt he service provided. It's about putting people at the heart of what we do and meeting their needs, working actively with them. Person-centred care also recognises families, carers and the needs and values of everyone involved in delivering care.
How will we know that we are achieving world-leading healthcare?
We are making significant steps towards this every day through the excellent work already delivered. For example, Scotland is the first country in the world to implement a system-wide patient safety programme - this is already showing real benefits for patients in Scotland. We will be ale to compare some of our quality measures internationally, but it is when other countries reference our work, and promote Scotland and as an exemplar that we will know we are world-leading.
Will delivering quality cost more?
No. When someone gets care or treatment on the NHS that is not of the highest quality, not only is that a disservice to that person, it is also an inefficient use of NHS resources.
How is the Quality Measurement Framework being developed?
NHSScotland colleagues are closely involved in the development of this framework. Each NHS Board has nominated a Quality Lead to join a national quality measures network.
The measures will be derived from existing sources, or from data collection vehicles already in existence or under development such as the NHSScotland staff survey and the activities of the Better Together Patient Experience Programme including national surveys.
The Quality Measurement Framework aligns all work with the three Quality Ambitions.
What will people working with and for NHSScotland be expected to do?
Everyone involved in delivering healthcare will need to consider an initial specific action they plan to take personal responsibility for, to improve their impact towards realising the three Quality Ambitions and contribute to achieving the quality healthcare to which Scotland aspires.
The Quality Strategy stresses that it is the every day encounters between service users and service providers and where the quality of the intervention, matters.
What is the public expected to do?
The Quality Strategy represents a unique and important opportunity for all of us to work together to make our NHS even better, for everyone. This means patients and their families and carers will have the opportunity to take part in making decisions about care and treatment, understanding their responsibilities and rights. They will have information to better understand the options available to them so they can take advantage of the full range of support and care available.