BDA puts a halt on revised RQIA inspections
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- Published: Wednesday, 28 September 2016 07:42
- Written by News Editor
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BDA Northern Ireland has succeeded in putting a halt to a revised Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) inspection process, arguing that the revised system was not based on robust evidence and data. The BDA argued that the new system would create an unnecessary duplication of regulation for dentists.
In March 2016, the RQIA consulted on proposal to implement a revised inspection policy for services including those who are providing private dental care. However, in advance of the consultation, RQIA began piloting a new inspection methodology and reporting format on the effectiveness, safety, compassion and leadership with which dental care is provided.
The BDA told RQIA that it was premature to pilot any proposals in advance of the consultation's outcome. The BDA also made a full response to the consultation and told the RQIA it lacked sufficient reasoning and basis for justifying any changes.
On the proposed use of healthcare ratings, the BDA said these are not relevant or appropriate for dental care. The BDA made the case for a simple system where a service either complies or it does not. Primary care dentistry continues to be a low risk and high quality, and compliant, sector and, we believe, that it is well-led.
The BDA said there was likely to be little value to patients in a ratings system for dental care, as patients tend to be focused on the quality of clinical care, rather than the administrative functions and systems that RQIA regulates. Following the BDA's response, the RQIA have now halted the pilot inspections.
The Chair of the BDA Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee, Peter Crooks, said: "In Northern Ireland dentists are already required to meet higher regulatory standards than in other parts of the UK and are also inspected more frequently. The revised inspection scheme being proposed by the RQIA makes absolutely no sense to dental providers or their patients, it is ill conceived. Through current regulatory systems our patients already have the assurance that their care will be safe, effective and compassionate. We hope the RQIA can learn from this, in ensuring transparency and openness, as it carries out consultations and informs its responses, the follow up, and any changes arising."
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