The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) accreditation unit is pleased to announce the publication of the Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services (QPIDS) clinical service accreditation standards and evidence requirements. The standards are being made available ahead of the official launch of the QPIDS accreditation scheme in the autumn.
The RCP is adopting the existing UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network (UKPIN) accreditation scheme and the revised standards will underpin the renamed QPIDS accreditation scheme. Publishing the standards ahead of the launch will allow hospitals and healthcare professions to familiarise themselves with the new standards before they register their services in order to be accredited.
The RCP accreditation schemes have a strong track record in improving the quality and safety of patient healthcare. It hosts several accreditation schemes, including:
- Joint Advisory Group on gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service
- Improving Quality in Physiological Services
- Improving Quality in Allergy Services.
Dr Claire Bethune, QPIDS clinical lead and consultant immunologist, said:
The new QPIDS scheme hosted by the RCP accreditation unit will build on the success of the UKPIN accreditation scheme for primary immunodeficiency services. It will have effective processes and a supportive accreditation pathway for services working towards accreditation, and a more robust governance structure.
The revised standards document published today will provide services with clear recommendations for the evidence required to demonstrate compliance with the standards.
For further information please contact Joanna Morgan, Care Quality Improvement Department communications manager, on +44 (0)20 3075 1354 or email Joanna.Morgan@rcplondon.ac.uk.
The RCP accreditation unit
The RCP accreditation unit was established to improve the quality, safety and outcomes of healthcare through accreditation assessment against agreed standards. Accreditation is a supportive process involving self-assessment, training, consultancy, support, recommendations, and the sharing of best practice by teams.
The accreditation unit has clinical and technical expertise in accreditation, a well-established accreditation methodology, and tried and tested supporting policies and procedures. It has a large administrative capacity and experience of developing and running the web-based accreditation tools that support the accreditation pathway. It also has an understanding of operating a sustainable business model, which balances value for money with a high quality scheme.
UKPIN accreditation
The UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network accreditation scheme (UKPIN) for primary immunodeficiency (PID) services was set up in 2000 following the findings of a Department of Health-sponsored national audit of PID services. The intention of the scheme was to improve the care of PID patients through the development of common approaches to diagnosis, care, support and management, by means of setting consensus standards of practice and service organisation. Following an initial pilot phase the accreditation scheme became established in 2007 under the direction of a Network Accreditation Committee.