A recap on one of the most important standards for clinical care – STANDARD 5

The intent of this standard is to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care. This care is aligned with the patients expressed goals of care and healthcare needs. It also ensure that risks of harm to patients during healthcare are prevented and managed.

What can you do to help?

• Know the policies and procedures for comprehensive care
• Be aware that this standard is managed by the STARS Care Continuum Committee and that we are a member of the Metro North Health NSQHS Standard 5 Committee
• If you are a clinician, be aware of the following:
  • The common risk assessments that need to be completed: falls, pressure injuries, cognition and nutrition
  • If assessment deems a patient to be at risk, look for the suggested care plans in the ieMR and initiate those that will help reduce the patient risk of harm
  • The patient has an Advance Care Plan (ACP) if needed
  • What to do if the patient is approaching end-of-life
  • Training in the use of all risk equipment. This includes use of hoists, mobility aids and pressure reducing devices.
  • Restraining patients is a serious event. Be aware of how to gain consent and record observations during any restraint.

How do we measure our care?

NSQHS Standard 5 Interactive Spreadsheets are located on our webpage. To help the clinical staff keep patients safe, the outcomes of risk documentation and other audits are located here.

Some examples of what we measure for Standard 5 include:

• percentage of risk assessments completed within eight hours of admission
• percentage of care plans for at risk patients activated
• percentage of patients who felt they were involved in discharge discussions
• percentage of patients who understood their treatment and care plan
• number of falls, pressure injuries and skin tears and activity at time of incident.

If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact us in Safety and Quality – extension 77401 or email to STARS_SQU@health.qld.gov.au

Ella van Raders
Director, Safety and Quality
Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARS)