CQC Mock Inspections
Having a CQC visit checklist in place allows all services within the health and social care sector to be prepared when it comes to CQC inspections.
In health and social care, the scrutiny of regulatory bodies ensures that the quality and safety of care services do not fall below a certain threshold. In England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the regulatory body and it plays a crucial role in encouraging care services to improve while providing safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care.
CQC inspections are thorough assessments that are carried out to ensure care services are meeting the essential standards of quality and safety. To prepare for the inspections and to maintain or even improve standards, care services often carry out a mock CQC inspection. This is basically a rehearsal for the real thing and highlights areas that are doing well and areas that need to be improved before the real thing is carried out.
At The Access Group, we have over 30 years of experience working with care services across the UK and we know the importance of being prepared for regulatory body inspections. This article contains information on the importance of CQC mock inspections, what they are and how to carry them out correctly. With our help, we hope that you’ll feel confident and prepared for your next CQC inspection.
Understanding CQC Mock Inspections
A CQC mock inspection is an invaluable tool that shouldn’t be underestimated. They can be used to assess their readiness before an official CQC visit and could save that service from receiving a lower rating than they deserve. As you may have guessed, mock inspections simulate real scenarios. This allows management and staff to identify strong and weak areas alongside areas for improvement.
By mimicking the real-life process, mock CQC inspections allow care providers to refine their practices, policies and procedures, thereby enhancing the overall quality of their care delivery.
How Often do CQC Inspect?
In England, all adult social care providers are closely monitored by the CQC through regular inspections. These checks are typically carried out at least once every three years. Once they’re officially open, all new care services need to be inspected by the CQC within the first 6-12 months. If a report shows that a care provider is delivering an inadequate service, another CQC inspection will occur within six months.
For practical reasons, some providers will be given a short notice period before an inspection. This could be as little as 48 hours, so having a CQC mock inspection template ready at all times is highly advised.
Conducting a Mock CQC Inspection
During a mock inspection, care service employees will play the part of a CQC inspector. The nominated individual(s) will go around the business and inspect various areas just like the CQC team would. Some of the things that need to be looked at include care plans, medicine management, privacy and dignity in care, infection control, safety practices and talking to staff. We have put a CQC mock inspection template together to help you conduct a mock CQC inspection.
- Preparation – Start by familiarising yourself with the CQC’s fundamental standards and inspection methodology. Reviewing any previous inspection reports and identifying common areas of focus will make it easier to prepare your mock inspection. Create a mock inspection team that consists of staff from various departments to ensure adequate coverage.
- Setting the Scene – Designate a date and time for the mock CQC inspection, preferably during operational hours. Tell your staff in advance to ensure their cooperation and participation. By adhering to the CQC’s protocols and procedures, you will be able to emulate the atmosphere of a real-life inspection, which is important.
- Documentation Review – Assess the documentation within your care service, including policies, procedures and records. Ensure that all of your documentation is accurate, accessible and up-to-date. Pay close attention to areas that were highlighted during previous inspections.
- Observation – Observe staff practices and interactions with service users. Evaluate the cleanliness, safety and accessibility of the care environment you provide. Make a note of any observed deviations from established standards or protocols.
- Interviews – Engage with your employees across different roles and levels by asking questions. These need to refer to their responsibilities, understanding of CQC standards and adherence to organisational policies. Encourage open dialogue and feedback as this will help you gain valuable insights.
- Feedback and Evaluation – Conclude the mock inspection with a debriefing session which should involve the inspection team and key stakeholders. Share observations, recommendations and areas for improvement. Always document your findings as this will allow you to develop an action plan to help you address identified issues.
What Questions Do CQC Ask Care Staff?
The CQC can ask your staff a variety of questions, so we have created a list with 13 focus points plus additional questions so your team can get a good idea of what they may be asked and what to say.
- Safeguarding Measures and Human Rights Protection:
- How do the systems, processes and practices in place ensure the protection of individuals from abuse?
- What steps are taken to manage risks and safeguard individuals from potential harm?
- In what ways are people’s human rights, including consent for health treatment and advance care plans, respected and upheld?
- What measures are implemented to ensure timely and dignified care for individuals, respecting their autonomy and well-being?
- How is action taken to protect service users from abuse and empower them to understand and assert their rights?
- How is reporting of concerns by staff ensured, with a focus on immediacy and appropriateness?
- Risk Assessment and Safety Management:
- How are risks assessed and monitored to support people’s safety and freedom?
- What arrangements are in place to manage risks effectively, ensuring the involvement of individuals in decision-making?
- How is information about risks communicated to staff, service users and visitors?
- In what ways are staff, service users and visitors informed and educated about risk management procedures?
- What lessons have been learned from past incidents and how have they influenced efforts to minimise future risks?
- Staffing and Support Adequacy:
- How has the pandemic impacted staffing, management, and safety within the service?
- What actions have been taken to address staffing challenges and ensure continued quality of care?
- How is the service ensuring that individuals receive care from knowledgeable and skilled workers?
- Are working arrangements transparent and accessible to all stakeholders?
- Safe Use of Medicines:
- What measures are in place to ensure the availability and proper administration of medicines?
- How are medicines stored, transported, and managed to ensure safety?
- How are errors in medication noted, addressed, and used as learning opportunities?
- How is self-administration of medicines supported, and how are staff trained in safe administration practices?
- How are challenges in collaboration with healthcare professionals managed?
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC
- How have IPC arrangements been reviewed and adapted in response to the pandemic?
- How are infection risks assessed and managed to provide care safely to individuals with and without COVID-19 symptoms?
- Are resources adequate for obtaining necessary supplies, PPE, and testing?
- What changes have been made to staff working practices in response to infection control measures?
- How is IPC-related training and support provided to staff?
- Consent and Supportive Practices:
- How is consent to care and treatment sought in compliance with legislation and guidance?
- How are social distancing and restrictions on liberty managed during the pandemic?
- What supportive practices are in place to avoid physical restraint, including the use of positive behaviour support plans?
- How is the safe and proportionate use of physical restraint ensured as part of person-centred support?
- How are Mental Capacity Act requirements met?
- Kindness, Respect, and Emotional Support:
- How are individuals treated with kindness, respect, and compassion in daily care and support?
- How do staff demonstrate understanding and respect for the preferences and backgrounds of those they care for?
- What support mechanisms are in place for raising concerns and providing feedback?
- How is emotional well-being supported, particularly in maintaining important relationships and coping with pandemic-related changes?
- Involvement in Decision-Making:
- How are individuals supported in expressing their views and participating in care decisions?
- Is staff provided with adequate time, training, and support to engage with individuals and involve them in decisions?
- Personalized Care and Accessibility:
- How does the service ensure care is tailored to individual needs and preferences?
- How is the Accessible Information Standard met, especially considering the impact of increased PPE use on accessibility?
- What reasonable adjustments are made to accommodate diverse needs?
- End-of-Life Support:
- What changes have been made to support individuals at the end of life, considering pandemic restrictions?
- Governance and Compliance:
- How is the service ensuring safe care during the pandemic?
- What measures are in place to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements?
- Continuous Learning and Improvement:
- What systems are used to monitor service quality and respond to risks and issues?
- How is learning from past experiences and the pandemic integrated to drive improvement?
- Partnership Working:
- How effectively does the service collaborate with other agencies in care commissioning and delivery?
CQC Visit Checklist
To facilitate the smooth execution of a smooth mock CQC inspection, the following CQC visit checklist can be used. Please note that this checklist has been tailored to the CQC standards and guidelines and is a rough copy that may not be suitable for all care providers.
Documentation:
- Policies and procedures manual
- Incident reports and risk assessments
- Staff training records
- Service user care plans
- Health and safety protocols
Environment:
- Cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Safety measures (e.g. fire exits, emergency equipment)
- Accessibility for service users with mobility impairments
- Privacy and dignity provisions
Staff Practices:
- Compliance with infection control measures
- Communication with service users and colleagues
- Respect for service users’ rights and preferences
- Handling of medications and medical equipment
Interview Questions:
- Prepare for the CQC questions for staff that have been listed above.
Feedback and Action Plan:
- Document observations, commendations and areas for improvement
- Develop an action plan with specific tasks, timelines and responsible parties
- Monitor progress and implement corrective measures
Prepare for your Mock CQC Inspection
Mock CQC inspections serve as an invaluable exercise for care services. Carrying them out correctly will allow you to address problems which could improve your rating and reputation during your real CQC inspection. They also give your staff an insight into what to expect on the day, like CQC interview questions, CQC questions for staff and the CQC visit checklist. Knowing what to expect can make your team feel more comfortable and prepared on the day. After all, less stress leads to better results!
Here at The Access Group, we have a fantastic range of care software that can benefit you outside of and during CQC inspections. Our Care Compliance software is a platform you need to put on your list. This software has been designed to make your care services more compliant, enables quality improvement and allows you to perform mock inspections aligned to the CQC’s new inspection framework. You can generate a mock rating for each service and compare them to your actual ratings, allowing you to understand which areas are doing well, what needs to be worked on and how to do so.
If you are interested in adding our award-winning Care Compliance software to your digital platform, contact us today to find out more or try it out immediately by booking a demo.
