What actions do we take to The risk register described in Action 1.5.1 will inform Agenda minutes or other records of meetings reduce safety and the actions to reduce risks to patient safety and where reviews of the risk register are discussed improve the quality of care for quality of care. From a review of the risk register, you Examples of improvement activities undertaken to our patients? can identify areas where improvements are needed. address risks documented in the risk register You should document the agreed action to be taken, by Results of risk assessments to identify areas of developing a plan or amending policies, procedures priority for action or protocols. Action plan or list of actions to address issues or risks identified on the risk register You should communicate to dental team members the Other: results of a review of the risk register, and educate them about any new plans or initiatives, and any changes to policies, procedures and protocols. You should also monitor the implementation of any new plans or initiatives, or revised policies, procedures or protocols. Examples of actions to minimise the safety and quality risks could include: the purchase of a more effective instrument washer/disinfector to reduce infection risks the use of rubber dams during dental procedures, which is likely to reduce the risk of patients inhaling or swallowing burrs that may accidently break during procedures. Establishing an organisation-wide quality management system that monitors and reports on the safety and quality of patient care and informs changes in practice An organisation-wide quality management system is used and regularly monitored Reflective questions Suggested strategies Evidence examples How do we plan our work and A quality management system will provide a framework Schedule of regular reviews and reports submitted to measure our success to to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your the practice owners, senior dentists or dental make improvements? practice. As a first step in implementing a quality service executive management system you should define the elements of Action plan or list of quality improvement activities to How do we use quality for your practice, for example, effectiveness, be undertaken by the dental practice ‘quality’ management methods in our safety and patient experience. The vision, values and Quality framework or quality improvement plan dental practice? Practice quality/operational plan
What actions do we take to reduce safety and improve the quality of care for our patients? The risk register described in Action 1.5.1 will inform the actions to reduce risks to patient safety and quality of care. From a review of the risk register, you can identify areas where improvements are needed. You should document the agreed action to be taken, by developing a plan or amending policies, procedures or protocols. You should communicate to dental team members the results of a review of the risk register, and educate them about any new plans or initiatives, and any changes to policies, procedures and protocols. You should also monitor the implementation of any new plans or initiatives, or revised policies, procedures or protocols. Examples of actions to minimise the safety and quality risks could include: the purchase of a more effective instrument washer/disinfector to reduce infection risks the use of rubber dams during dental procedures, which is likely to reduce the risk of patients inhaling or swallowing burrs that may accidently break during procedures. Agenda minutes or other records of meetings where reviews of the risk register are discussed Examples of improvement activities undertaken to address risks documented in the risk register Results of risk assessments to identify areas of priority for action Action plan or list of actions to address issues or risks identified on the risk register Other: Establishing an organisation-wide quality management system that monitors and reports on the safety and quality of patient care and informs changes in practice An organisation-wide quality management system is used and regularly monitored Reflective questions Suggested strategies Evidence examples How do we plan our work and measure our success to make improvements? How do we use quality management methods in our dental practice? A quality management system will provide a framework to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your practice. As a first step in implementing a quality management system you should define the elements of ‘quality’ for your practice, for example, effectiveness, safety and patient experience. The vision, values and Schedule of regular reviews and reports submitted to the practice owners, senior dentists or dental service executive Action plan or list of quality improvement activities to be undertaken by the dental practice Quality framework or quality improvement plan Practice quality/operational plan
NSQHS-Standards-Guide-for-Dental-Practices.docx