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Res Care Plus
Steve Lofthouse: Independent Inspector
I.T. or paper based?
IT based - pro's and cons
I have already built an information management system which manages training, supervisions and action plans, creating loads of evidence for inspectors, feeds through into your website (I can build those too) even allows remote access for staff and inspectors.
Great! .... but ....
Experience has shown that such IT systems are worse than useless if the Inspectors are not 'computer people'. I've even heard Local Authority inspectors say that a training matrix shouldn't be on a computer, it should be a sheet on the wall in the office!
Yes, there is an argument for saying we need to bring these people up to speed with technology, but that takes time. If your home is suspended or suffering from a prro rating, can you afford to take that battle on as well?
I will deliver an IT based solution if you want it, but be sure that you want it first!
Paper based
Keep it simple!
I have seen complex maths based methods for risk assessments, huge care plans where risk management is limited only by the space available in the binder, care plans accessed only by the manager and supervisors. They tell me that the home is more concerned about covering themselves from 'criticism' rather than delivering a meaningful and accessible system.
Paper based systems are best when they can be used by everyone. That means your care staff and your kitchen staff as well as Supervisors and Managers. They should be so simple to understand that they don't need an explanation.
Importantly, they need to generate evidence and that's where I really do specialise!