What is the relationship between continuous improvement and quality assurance?
Continuous improvement involves the establishment and support of a culture that aims for better practice in care and services for residents. Quality assurance is concerned with the maintenance of systems and processes to ensure variances are managed; continuous improvement moves beyond this to lift the residential aged care home’s performance to a higher standard. What are the principles of continuous improvement? There are many approaches and terms associated with continuous improvement. Whatever approach is used, the following framework helps to drive and support the process: • resident-focused • strategic planning and implementation • clearly defined objectives and outcomes • involvement of key stakeholders • encouragement of innovation • utilisation of a range of approaches and techniques • regular monitoring and evaluation. A culture of continuous improvement means the residential aged care home is responsive to change from a variety of inputs and can continually develop a quality
