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Introduction to the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services


 

The Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services was launched in 2006 for its first cycle; during this initial pilot period eight units were involved in self and peer-reviews. The second Cycle began in 2007, and the network continued to grow until all 70 Medium Secure Units in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the the Republic of Ireland were signed up for the start of Cycle 6 (2011-2012).

 

For further information:

 

 

 

 

 

annual cycle

Diagram 1 - The Cyclical Review Process

 

Implementation Criteria for Recommended Specification: Adult Medium Secure Units


 

The network uses an iterative cycle of self- and peer-reviews using a set of implementation criteria based on Department of Health recommended specifications (2007):

 

A: Safety and Security

1. Physical Security

2. Procedural Security

3. Relational Security

4. Serious and Untoward Incidents

5. Safeguarding Children and Child Visiting Policies

B: Clinical and Cost Effectiveness

C: Governance

D: Patient Focus

E: Accessible and Responsive Care

F: Environment and Amenities

G: Public Health

 

The network has also developed a subset of standards and criteria aimed at addressing the needs of women in medium secure care. 

 

 

 

A second edition of the implementation criteria was published in 2011, to include additional mapping of the criteria onto the CQC Essential Standards of Quality and Safety.

 

The cyclical review process:


 

The process used by the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services combines the clinical audit cycle with peer-reviews.  The process begins with a set of standards being developed in consultation with member units.  Members then engage in a detailed team/service evaluation during the self-review phase. This is followed by a period of peer-review visits to validate the data provided during the self-review.  After the peer-review stage, units are provided with a local report that compiles the data collected during the self- and peer-review.  When all member units have completed the peer-review phase an annual report of the aggregated findings is written to enable benchmarking with other services. The final stage of the process involves action planning and attendance at the Annual Forum. 

 

See Diagram 1 above.

 

 

 

Where next...


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Su artwork

 

 

 

 

The Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services, 4th Floor Standon House, Mansell Street, London, E1 8AA

For further information, please contact Maddy Iqbal, Deputy Programme Manager

Tel: 020 7977 6662   Fax: 020 7481 4831   Email: mrhoyland@cru.rcpsych.ac.uk

 

 

 

 

© 2012 Royal College of Psychiatrists