We recognise that the strategic environment in which quality assurance organisations, inspectorates and regulators operate is complex and evolving. We want to ensure that our collaborative engagement in this field is as effective as it can be, taking account of the differing remits and statutory responsibilities of the organisations involved. These developments present us with new challenges.
Phase 1 Report: A Review of Evidence on Multi-Agency Collaboration
Phase 1 Report - 21 December 2006 (PDF, 208K, 30secs)Background
Multiagency collaboration is a key theme in Delivering for Health (Scottish Executive Health Department, 2005) as well as other public sector strategies. NHS QIS has now been involved in a number of multiagency review pilots involving different organisations and models. We have reached the stage where we need to take stock and to consider the possible long term implications on our own work and on the way we work with others.
To assist us with this, NHS QIS has commissioned a key project that aims to support our internal organisational development activities regarding collaborative arrangements with the range of organisations working to ensure the quality and safety of services provided by the public.
The project is being overseen by a multidisciplinary steering group which includes representation from the public.
Project Aims
The key aims of the project are:
to identify key factors, in the context of an authoritative framework of evidence and best practice, which lead to successful collaborative working and which are directly relevant to NHS QIS s role in multiagency quality assurance arrangements; and
to enable NHS QIS to use the outcomes of this work to engage as effectively as possible with other organisations in the development and implementation of multiagency review, regulation and inspection in ways which minimise the overall impact of external scrutiny on providers of health and related services while maximising levels of assurance for the public.
We anticipate this will enable us to plan and implement appropriate corporate and organisational development activities. This will be in the context of the best available evidence on collaborative and inter-organisational working, drawing on lessons from a range of sectors in the UK and beyond. We have appointed the University of Keele (Centre for Health Planning and Management) in partnership with the University of Strathclyde (Strathclyde Business School) to undertake the first stage of the work which will focus on the evidence for effective collaborative working.
Next Steps
Following completion of the first stage of the project NHS QIS will host a seminar for key stakeholders to spread the key messages from the research; and to ensure a wider perspective from partner agencies informs the development of the second stage of the project.
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