National Quality Board publications for integrated care systems

To support the development of quality functions in integrated care systems (ICS), the National Quality Board (NQB) has issued a suite of publications in support.

NQB principles for assessing and managing risks across integrated care systems

The NQB has published a set of key principles to support assessments and discussions about risk in fast-changing, multi-factorial environments where system approaches are required. The document complements the NQB’s Quality risk response and escalation framework and other guidance, setting guiding principles on how to assess and manage risks in rapidly-changing and multi-factorial environments, where system approaches are required.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis and Dr Prem Premachandran (NQB Chairs): “The NQB recognises that solutions to many of today’s health and care challenges require collaboration. If we are to deliver high-quality care, it is integral that those working across different organisations within an Integrated Care System not only understand each other’s risks, they also support each other to manage them. The publication of these principles provides the first step in recognising this need and some of the key elements that should shape the approach going forward”.

National guidance on quality risk response and escalation in integrated care systems

The National Quality Board has published its national guidance on quality risk response and escalation in integrated care systems.

The guidance is to support system leaders as they develop their approach to quality management, providing clarity on how quality concerns and risks should be managed through systems. It supersedes the NQB Guidance on Risk Summits and aligns with the NHS Oversight Framework (NHSOF) and the NQB’s previous publications for integrated care systems.

Steve Powis and Rosie Benneyworth (NQB Chairs): “The NQB’s guidance sets out a clear framework for the management of quality risks in integrated care systems. As we move into the new integrated structures and working arrangements enabled through the Health and Care Act, the importance of this guidance cannot be underestimated. We ask that all leaders across health and care read the guidance, share it, endorse it and work with their local partners to embed it”

National guidance on System Quality Groups

The NQB has developed national guidance on System Quality Groups for those working in health and care systems. All integrated care systems are required to have a System Quality Group, focused on enabling quality improvement across the health and care system.  This guidance replaces the NQB’s previous National Guidance on Quality Surveillance Groups (last updated 2017).

NQB position statement on quality in integrated care systems

The NQB has issued a Position Statement for those working in health and care systems. Endorsed by Lord Darzi, the Position Statement emphasises the importance of prioritising the delivery of high-quality care at this crucial time of transition and sets out some core principles and consistent operational requirements for quality oversight in systems.

Shared commitment to quality

The NQB has refreshed its Shared Commitment to Quality to support those working in health and care systems.  The publication provides a nationally-agreed definition of quality and a vision for how quality can be effectively delivered through ICSs.  The refresh has been developed in collaboration with systems and people with lived experience and has a stronger focus on population health and health inequalities.

The previous edition of this Commitment is also available.

Case studies on quality oversight in integrated care systems

Three case studies have been developed to accompany the Shared Commitment, illustrating how leading systems have already started to embed the Shared Commitment in their planning and decision-making.  The three case studies are: Surrey Heartlands ICS, Dorset ICS and West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts.