6. Continuous improvement

2. Elements and benefits of continuous improvement

Key elements include:

• consumer-focused
• innovation
• achievement of improvement through planned steps
• driven by involvement and accountability of key stakeholders:
• consumers, representatives, carers and others
• staff and volunteers
• committee and board members
• advocates
• involves regular monitoring and evaluation of progress; linking evaluation to strategic planning.

Benefits of continuous improvement:

• improve care and services to consumers
• improve stakeholder input and ownership
• identify changes in care and service needs
• enhance systems to monitor and track change
• demonstrate sustainable results.

(Source: Australian Government, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission)