14 March 2023
BSR is proud to announce that our Quality Review Scheme (QRS) has been relaunched following a period of redevelopment and improvement. We introduce this new quality improvement initiative to help raise standards across rheumatology and improve the care provided to patients across the UK.
How has QRS improved
The QRS accreditation programme has been substantially improved following a pilot in 2020 and 2021. Three rheumatology services successfully undertook accreditation assessment and because of what we learned we have:
- revised the standards and mapped them against other nationally recognised quality improvement frameworks
- developed a bespoke online platform to ease any administrative burden and to facilitate gap analysis
- redeveloped the accreditation pathway, focussing on quality improvement and support for services
- reduced subscription and increased value and impact.
We are very grateful to Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for supporting us on this learning and improvement journey.
What is the QRS accreditation programme?
Accreditation describes a process of self-assessment against established best-practice standards, followed by a formal assessment.
Preparation for assessment or the quality improvement stage can take anywhere from 12–24 months for most services. During this time, you will collaborate with your multidisciplinary (MDT) team and the BSR team to work towards meeting all QRS standards. During this time BSR will provide resources, templates, training and regular support sessions to help you on your accreditation journey. Services then undertake a formal QRS assessment led by experienced and trained assessors covering the whole MDT and including patients and lay assessors. Following successful accreditation, services undertake online annual reviews for four years and re-accreditation takes place in year five.
What’s in it for you and your service
Liz Price, BSR Clinical Lead for QRS, when asked about the benefits of taking part in the programme, said “services will have the benefit of the expertise of external professionals who will work with you to improve your service, to raise the profile of your team, and demonstrate to your patients that you are offering excellence in rheumatology care. We have made every effort to reduce the burden on services so QRS standards are mapped against CQC KLOE’s, NICE quality standard 33 and GIRFT recommendations and accreditation is undertaken on a simple to use bespoke online platform.”
The benefit of participation includes:
- raising the profile of the service and specialty as a whole
- encouraging continuous quality improvement in processes and patient outcomes
- reducing risk and increasing patient confidence in the service
- improving the management and efficiency of the service
- accelerating adoption of innovation and transformation measures
- improving workforce development and education
- providing evidence for regulatory inspections.
Where can I find out more
Learn more about the QRS accreditation programme and how it can help your service, here.