Accreditation: Tips for Assisting when 'Its all Happening"

As the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency states on its web site, it exists to
Manage the residential aged care accreditation process using the Accreditation Standards

• Promote high quality care and assist industry to improve service quality by identifying best practice, and providing information, education and training
• Assess and strategically manage services working towards accreditation
• Liaise with the Department of Health and Ageing about services that do not comply with the relevant Accreditation Standards

The Agency is an independent company limited by guarantee, and subject to the Corporations Act 2001 and the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. It is the body appointed by the Department of Health and Ageing as the accreditation body under the Aged Care Act 1997.
The Agency fulfils its functions using processes and principles set down in legislation, notably the Aged Care Act 1997, the Accountability Principles 1998, and the Accreditation Grant Principles 1999.

 If you are unfamiliar with all the steps in the accreditation process, its worth taking the time to visit the agency web site Aged Care Standards & Accreditation Agency and in particular check out the section  Assessor resources as it will give you a good idea of what is really being looked at and how.

If  you find yourself in a situation where  the organisation you work for  is  non compliance, at serious risk and /  or sanctioned & you are  actively part of the team addressing the deficits consider the following;

• Very carefully read the accreditation reports- take note of key words and phrases e.g. staff 'unpredictability'-   remember you need to provide evidence that proves that the staff are no longer  'unpredictable'
• Put an action plan together that mirrors at a minimum the deficits identified in agency report - its often a good idea to create a plan that allows for all 44 criteria as more often than not when you are rectifying deficits, they are not in isolation with other criteria
• Nominate someone to keep track of all the daily improvements and Yes it takes time - but update the plan daily  until all is on track , then you can cut back to weekly etc.
• Communicate to ALL the key stakeholders - morale is often low and staff ,residents and relatives are often very concerned - keep up  the positive displays of good will and encouragement- balance the hard jobs with something a little easier for staff  & yourself ; treat your staff to Pizza/ BBQ for each key step forward!
• After each visit by the agency - which for some circumstances may be daily e.g. if serious risk has been identified - feed the progression and news back to the staff
• Ensure there is strong clinical governance and oversight
• Keep tasks simple - break down the jobs for others - if you delegate - remember to check the person knows what to do and ensure you / another  go back to check it has been done
• Don't get lost in all the work that needs to be done - stay focused on addressing the specific areas identified by the Agency  and where applicable  identified by the Dept of Health & Aging.
• If you are unclear with any communication / feedback from the agency or department - don't wait and assume - pick up the phone and ask
• Don't pretend to know if you don't - seek clarification

          Remember to breathe and refocus - there are good times ahead & yes its all worth it!

Swine Flu (H1N1) Human Swine Influenza: Remain Vigilant!

Swine Flu 'News' has ebbed , yet its interesting to note that the Queensland Health website relating to swine flu continues to be reguarly updated e.g. 5th October 2010. It's worth checking out- lots of  resources, As we know  the human swine influenza virus was reported in Mexico in April 2009. Its now been reported in most countries according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).On the 10 August 2010 the  WHO declared that the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has now moved to  a post pandemic phase  

Quick Facts:

• Human swine flu is not the same as seasonal influenza. 
•  Over 18,000   swine flu associated deaths worldwide have been reported  Europe and the Americas experienced a second outbreak of human swine flu  in winter.
•  Human swine flu continues to circulate in the Australian population.
• Laboratory data underestimates the extent of the pandemic. However to date:
•        there have been over 38,000 confirmed cases in Australia
•        almost 200 people have died
• The virus that causes this illness is the most common influenza virus in the current 2010 influenza season.
•  Can cause death due to viral pneumonia and lung failure  30% of deaths have occurred in previously healthy people.
• High risk groups have been identified e.g. those  with chronic respiratory conditions, pregnant women, people  who are obese (BMI >30), indigenous people and patients with chronic cardiac, neurological and immune conditions.
• Children and younger people have also been identified to be at increased risk of serious complications and have been shown to be rapid spreaders of the virus
• .Australia, including Queensland, is  currently in the Protect Phase, The  Protect  phase  is focused on protecting  people  from human swine 'flu by vaccination and by the early use of antivirals.
• Vaccination against Swine flu is now available for all people including children greater than six months of age. Having the vaccination as soon as possible gives the best protection against Swine flu for each individual.
• Human Swine Influenza is spread from person to person by respiratory secretions e.g coughing and sneezing when in close proximity (less than one metre).
•  Human Swine Influenza viruses are not spread by food. Good "flu hygiene" is important to reduce transmission.

Reading the  info  is timely reminder to ensure our organisations and staff have access to appopriate  handwashing facilities and genuinely understand the imprtance of adhering  to apply standard and additional precautions!