The new CQC: AI-led warning system
A national AI-led warning system is being developed to monitor real-time data to flag emerging patient safety issues and trigger 'rapid response' CQC inspections.
This forms part of the Government's 10-year NHS plan published in July of this year.
How will it work?
The system will analyse vast datasets to identify patterns of concern such as abuse, serious injuries, or deaths that might otherwise go unnoticed.
When the system flags a concern, it is designed to trigger 'rapid response inspections' where CQC inspection teams will be swiftly deployed to assess the nature and significance of problems.
The rapid response inspections process will operate alongside the routine planned inspections process.
Work is already in progress, with a new Maternity Outcomes Signal System (MOSS) scheduled to launch in NHS trusts from November, using near real-time data to identify higher-than-expected rates of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and brain injuries.
What does this mean for healthcare providers?
The introduction of the AI-led warning system signals an era of increased, proactive scrutiny and potentially more rapid regulatory intervention.
Healthcare providers should be aware of the heightened potential for quicker inspections driven by real-time data analysis, and should ensure they are 'inspection-ready' at all times.
How can we help?
We have expertise in advising healthcare providers in relation to preparing for CQC inspections, challenging or responding to the CQC, and developing bespoke and practical policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.