The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) accreditation unit is pleased to announce the launch of the Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services (QPIDS) accreditation scheme.
The RCP was approached by the UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network (UKPIN) to adopt their existing accreditation scheme, revising the accreditation standards and pathway to become the QPIDS accreditation scheme. The scheme is now open for registration and the RCP encourages all immunodeficiency services to register and work towards achieving the QPIDS standards.
Dr Claire Bethune, QPIDS clinical lead and consultant immunologist, said:
The new QPIDS scheme will build on the previous success of the UKPIN accreditation scheme for primary immunodeficiency services. It has effective processes in place and a supportive accreditation pathway for services working towards accreditation and we hope the first service will be accredited in the New Year.
Accreditation is an important tool for driving quality improvement and improving patient care that is recognised by the NHS England service specification for specialised immunology, which requires specialist units to be working towards accreditation.
The RCP accreditation unit will also be launching the Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS) accreditation scheme on 25 November. Immunology services that manage allergic diseases are encouraged to work towards both QPIDS and IQAS accreditation.
The accreditation unit has a strong track record in improving the quality and safety of patient healthcare. It hosts several accreditation schemes, including:
- Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS)
- Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS)
- Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS).
Visit the QPIDS website for full details of the accreditation scheme and registration information.