We sat down and talked with Leyla Pur, a consultant at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust – Leicester Allergy Service, about the importance of accreditation within allergy services.
What measurable changes have you seen since achieving accreditation within your service?
Leyla: Since achieving accreditation, we have prioritised patient care and quality. We started measuring patient feedback more rigorously, creating patient surveys and collecting data through text messages. This feedback is discussed in our management meetings. Additionally, we have updated patient information leaflets and adopted best practices from other centres to improve our patient experience.
What opportunities have arisen for your service and staff since achieving accreditation?
Leyla: Accreditation has positively impacted staff outcomes, retention, and hiring. We conduct appraisals to improve and acknowledge our qualities. The IQAS requirements provide a structured way to evaluate our service, helping us communicate effectively with managers and improve overall service quality.
Were there any unexpected benefits from the accreditation process?
Leyla: Yes, the IQAS requirements provided a structured approach to evaluating our service, which helped us communicate our needs to managers more effectively. This objective framework has been beneficial in improving our service.
What tips do you have for services undergoing annual reviews and re-accreditation?
Leyla: The first accreditation can be challenging, but planning is crucial. After the initial accreditation, it becomes routine, and the processes are embedded within your service. We found our annual meetings and feedback reviews an essential part for ongoing accreditation.
What are the main challenges with ongoing accreditation?
Leyla: Time management is a common challenge. Although IQAS is included in our job planning, we often work beyond regular hours to focus on accreditation tasks. Planning and using study days or management meetings where possible for task distribution can help manage these challenges.
What difference does being accredited make to an allergy service?
Leyla: Accreditation signifies a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. It helps in gaining patient feedback, improving service quality, and enhancing the reputation of the service. It also makes the service a preferred candidate for clinical trials and research opportunities.
Any final thoughts on the accreditation process?
Leyla: Accreditation is an ongoing effort that requires teamwork and dedication. It is important to communicate the benefits of accreditation to patients and colleagues. This mindset of prioritizing quality helps both doctors and patients in the long run both with accreditation and their service.
Thank-you Leyla for sharing how important accreidtation is within allergy services and how accreditation has impacted the running of your service!
To start your accreditation journey, visit our IQAS website or reach out to us at askiqas@rcp.ac.uk