4 Case Studies Demonstrate the Benefits of a Competency Framework

Sept. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- Although its creator and CEO, Libby Shepherd, had experienced first hand the many benefits of implementing a competency framework, iTeMS for Health has only recently come into possession of the results of independent case studies proving its worth.

The studies were carried out in the Clinical Therapies and Rehabilitation Directorate of Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust in the UK, which implemented the ‘Calderdale Framework’. The Calderdale Framework, as with the competency framework within iTeMS for Health, provides a ‘clear and systematic method of reviewing skill mix and skills within a service’ (Source:  www.healthcareworkforce.nhs.uk).

The aim of the case studies was to identify benefits relating to quality assurance, patient care and the development of staff. However, the framework was also proven to improve the cost effectiveness of delivery, staff skill mix, productivity, and staff satisfaction.

Four case studies were undertaken and the results demonstrated that the framework:

- Increased productivity and efficiency
- Improved staff satisfaction
- Improved Quality Assurance and
- Reduced risk to patient safety

The key findings were; that the competency framework helped to identify which tasks can be delegated safely, resulting in more effective use of support staff; that staff feel more valued and understand their role better; and standardised training to achieve competence helps to manage risks.

The case studies undertook a variety of analyses. Some of the key statistics collated from the studies were:
- An increase in treatments by 13%.
- Average waiting times fell from 6.95 weeks to 5.19 weeks in one year.
- Staff sickness was halved from over 10,000 hours to less than 5,000 in two years.
- Risk scores for delegation of tasks were reduced by over 75%.
- Patient complaints fell by 56%.

(Source: Benefits Realisation of the Calderdale Framework, www.healthworkforce.nhs.uk)

Libby Shepherd said “A number of these findings are in line with my own experience. When it is clear to you what you should know, you feel empowered. This gives you confidence in your role and leads to greater satisfaction. The benefits for nurse managers and organisations is amply demonstrated by these figures.”

With iTeMS for Health now ready for implementation, there is an opportunity for health care organisations in Australia to obtain similar benefits.