Beyond compliance: quality improvement and practice development for person‐centred outcomes in domiciliary services

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to describe a method of assessing and achieving a person‐centred culture of care, developed for care homes. It considers the results of a pilot study adapted for domiciliary services and comments on the results of the evaluation.Design/methodology/approach – A case study describes the development of a framework and audit of a culture of care, from which practice development and quality improvement work flows, from an in‐depth 360 ° feedback exercise. Data were garnered from clients, relatives, staff and managers, and triangulated with observation and documentary review.Findings – The audit results provide a route map for action planning towards continuous sustained improvement. Examples of specific actions taken demonstrate the positive benefits to the clients, families, staff and management with value added business and efficiency improvements.Practical implications – This paper raises important practice development issues both inside and outside the agency's responsibility. Us...