Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) for Medical Certificate Regulations
February 2024
Plan:
- Objective: Educate GPs and staff on Medical Certificate regulations, specifically addressing the issue of backdating.
- Focus: Highlight the importance of accurately recording the onset of patient illness and addressing appointments made in close proximity to visits.
Do:
- Training Session: Conduct an educational session on Medical Certificate regulations for GPs and staff, emphasizing the prohibition of backdating.
- Procedure Integration: Train everyone to cross-verify appointment logs with patient history when issuing Medical Certificates.
- Clinical Software Training: Ensure proficiency in utilizing clinical software to track appointment logs.
Study:
- Observation: Monitor the implementation of the new procedure during Medical Certificate issuance.
- Feedback: Gather feedback from GPs and staff on the effectiveness of the training and integration of the new process.
- Data Analysis: Analyze any instances of backdating and evaluate the accuracy of the process.
Act:
- Reinforcement: Reinforce the importance of accurate date recording during patient visits and discourage backdating in subsequent staff meetings.
- Address Challenges: Identify and address any challenges or concerns raised during the feedback sessions.
- Refinement: Continuously refine the process based on feedback and data analysis.
Results:
- Improved Compliance: Ensure GPs and staff adhere to regulations regarding Medical Certificate issuance.
- Accuracy: Minimize instances of backdating through effective cross-verification of appointment logs.
- Efficiency: Streamline the process for identifying appointment dates and the onset of patient illness.
Note: Regularly revisit and reinforce training to maintain compliance with Medical Certificate regulations.
Please follow this link to the PDSA library.
Quarterly PDSA is a requirement for QI PIP Incentive for Accredited General Practices.
