A mechanism for revising accreditation standards: a study of the process, resources required and evaluation outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The study objective was to identify and describe the process, resources and expertise required for the revision of accreditation standards, and report outcomes arising from such activities. METHODS: Secondary document analysis of materials from an accreditation standards development agency. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' (RACGP) documents, minutes and reports related to the revision of the accreditation standards were examined. RESULTS: The RACGP revision of the accreditation standards was conducted over a 12 month period and comprised six phases with multiple tasks, including: review methodology planning; review of the evidence base and each standard; new material development; constructing field trial methodology; drafting, trialling and refining new standards; and production of new standards. Over 100 individuals participated, with an additional 30 providing periodic input and feedback. Participants were drawn from healthcare professional associations, primary healthcare services, accreditation agencies, government agencies and public health organisations. Their expertise spanned: project management; standards development and writing; primary healthcare practice; quality and safety improvement methodologies; accreditation implementation and surveying; and research. The review and development process was shaped by five issues: project expectations; resource and time requirements; a collaborative approach; stakeholder engagement; and the product produced. The RACGP evaluation was that participants were positive about their experience, the standards produced and considered them relevant for the sector. CONCLUSIONS: The revision of accreditation standards requires considerable resources and expertise, drawn from a broad range of stakeholders. Collaborative, inclusive processes that engage key stakeholders helps promote greater industry acceptance of the standards.

Attitudes and practices of recording diabetic patient information within an Australian general practice setting: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: An accurate diabetes register enables a general practice to effectively monitor and manage the services for their patients with diabetes. This pilot project builds on the National Primary Care Collaboratives Program (a quality improvement programme for general practice) as the first change principle for managing chronic diseases. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the project was to improve the systems management of electronic registers of people with diabetes in the general practice setting. The pilot project assessed the uptake, awareness and confidence levels amongst practice staff in improving the diabetes register. METHOD: This was completed by conducting a survey of general practitioners and practice nurses within one general practice in Perth, Western Australia. In addition, focus groups per and post intervention were facilitated to obtain practice staff's views upon the issues around maintaining an efficient and updated patient register within a busy practice setting. RESULTS: By the end of the project the general practice had an established diabetes register with defined and agreed practice systems.