What is a Comprehensive Care Plan?
A comprehensive care plan is a document that states the diagnoses, care objectives, identified risks, actions taken, and essential treatment details of a person. (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2021).
Why is Developing a Comprehensive Care Plan Important?
Developing comprehensive care plans is an important aspect of healthcare, particularly within the framework of the Australian healthcare system. This impacts impacts the quality of care provided to the person. Below are some reasons why "developing a comprehensive care plan" is essential:
- Patient-centred care:Comprehensive care plans place the patient at the centre of all healthcare activities. A detailed plan assesses the complete range of a patient's needs, considering their medical history, current condition, and future healthcare needs (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2021).
- Communication: Care plans are a communication tool among various healthcare providers. They offer a structured format to share information, aligning different healthcare providers like GPs, specialists, nurses, and allied health professionals.
- Quality and safety: The NSQHS standards and guidelines ensure that care plans adhere to strict safety and quality criteria, resulting in improved patient care.
- Flexibility in care: Well-designed care plans are not static; they allow flexibility to adapt to the patient's changing needs, making it easier to provide personalised care.
What is the 'Developing a Comprehensive Care Plan' Training Requirement?
Adhering to NSQHS, Action 5.12 and 5.13 and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, Action 5.4.1, comprehensive care plan training is imperative. Staff must be trained in the procedures, ethics, and best practices related to developing and implementing these plans.
Relevant Standards
Action 5.12: Comprehensive care plan processes
- Clinicians should be supported to use local and organisational processes to document findings of screening and assessment
- Organisations should involve clinicians in evaluating and improving documentation processes
Action 5.13: Shared decision-making processes to develop and document comprehensive care plans
Individualised care plans should:
- Communicate patient health issues and risks of harm (including significance and complexity)
- Recognise patient goals and actions of treatment and care
- Recognises patient-identified support and involvement in decision-making and communication
- Displays referral plans to subsequent services (if appropriate and available)
- Applies best-practice and evidence
National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards
Action 5.4.1: Comprehensive care planning
- Assessment and planning systems are implemented by providers to support partnering with the older person, carers, families and others
- The plans aim to address and set goals og care and support decision-making
Strengthened Quality Standards framework analysis - Aged Care Quality Standards
Related Training Requirement
Comprehensive care planning overlaps with many clinical assessment related skills. Learn more about clinical assessment and the requirements in related training requirement:
Skills Required by Healthcare Staff for Comprehensive Care Plan Development
Developing a comprehensive care plan requires an array of skills that go beyond the basic clinical competencies. Here is a more in-depth look:
| Skill | Key Elements |
|---|---|
| Clinical Skills |
|
| Interpersonal skills |
|
| Administrative skills |
|
| Technological skills |
|
How to Assess Staff Competency in Comprehensive Care Plan Development
Staff assessments are required to understand the key areas to improve knowledge gaps and overall patient outcomes. Here are some methods for assessing staff competency:
- Case studies: Present staff with real-life scenarios where they can develop a comprehensive care plan, demonstrating their understanding and application of theoretical knowledge.
- Peer Reviews: Staff members evaluate each other’s care plans providing constructive and helpful feedback.
- Documentation audits: Review and evaluate the written care plans created by staff to ensure they meet required standards, are complete, and accurately reflect the patient's needs and treatment goals.
Strategies to Support Healthcare Staff Improve Comprehensive Care Plan Development
By focusing on the skills, assessment, and strategies mentioned below, healthcare organisations can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of their comprehensive care plans.
- Regular audits: Regularly review existing care plans to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
- Continuing education: Online modules, workshops, and meetings to keep the staff updated on the latest best practices.
- Patient feedback: Include feedback as a valuable source for improving care plans.
- Collaboration: Facilitate discussions between various departments to ensure everyone’s perspectives are included in the care plan.
- Technology: Use software such as EMR that enable real-time updates and multidisciplinary input into care plans.
Sample Training Plan for the Comprehensive Care Plan Development Training Requirement
Using the below competency assessment on comprehensive care plan development skills, we can tailor a training plan to target gaps in skills displayed by staff.
Based on the results - "clinical" and "administrative" skills require action.
| Quarter | Topics | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Administrative skills | |
| Q2 | Clinical skills |
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Staff Competency Assessment for Comprehensive Care Plan Development - Example
Understanding the varying competencies your staff have in regards to developing comprehensive care plans will allow you to target your learning and skills development training plans to your organisation's specific needs.
Staff Survey - Competency on Developing a Comprehensive Care Plan
-
How confident do you feel in collecting patient history for a comprehensive care plan?
- 1. Not confident at all
- 2. Somewhat confident
- 3. Confident
- 4. Very confident
- 5. Extremely confident
-
Can you describe an instance where you successfully collaborated with other healthcare providers in developing a care plan?
- [Answer here]
-
How would you rate your ability to interpret clinical assessment information for care planning?
- 1. Not well at all
- 2. Somewhat well
- 3. Well
- 4. Very well
- 5. Extremely well
-
Do you feel you are up-to-date with the legal and ethical considerations surrounding care plans?
- 1. Yes
- 2. Somewhat
- 3. No
Conclusion
Understanding and developing comprehensive care plans is a cornerstone for improving patient outcomes. Ensuring your staff are well-equipped with the necessary skills and competencies is the first step towards that.
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health, 2023. 'Comprehensive Care Standard'
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health, 2023. 'NSQHS Action 5.12'
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health, 2023. 'NSQHS Action 5.13'
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 2023. 'Aged Care Quality Standard - Ongoing Assessment - 3.3 (d)'
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 2023. 'Stronger Standards, Better Aged Care Program - 3.2.5'
