Framework

The EiC framework is based on the premise that in order to achieve ‘excellence in care’ all of the elements within the framework are interlinked and are of equal importance.

The framework is built upon a strong inner core informed by the Vale of Leven Inquiry. The families who contributed to the Vale of Leven Inquiry identified four essential requirements: Person Centredness; Compassion; Fundamentals of Care; and Communication, both verbal and written, with patients, their families and between staff. These four essentials provide the foundation for high-quality, person-centred care delivered within a culture of continuous improvement utilising a Quality Management Systems (QMS) approach.

Ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality care requires integration of several key elements; patient safety, supported through the work of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP), informed by evidence and standards and delivered by an enabled workforce who are appropriately trained and working in sufficient numbers and skill mix. Leadership, culture and staff wellbeing are inextricably linked and essential to creating the conditions in which excellence can flourish. All of this needs to be delivered within a backdrop of systems and processes that provide assurance from ‘point-of-care to board level’ as part of local governance arrangements that support the sharing of learning, starting with what has gone well.

The EiC framework has been co-developed with a range of stakeholders and through extensive stakeholder engagement. It has been informed by evidence-based research and with consideration to the alignment with other strategic and improvement priorities and with an appreciation of the origins of EiC’s inception. The framework is intended to support staff with the implementation of EiC and serve as a reference, providing the evidence base and rationale to why each element is vital to delivering quality person-centred care.