CQC and Well-Led Research
Page last updated 21 January 2024
Clinical research is no longer just a 'nice to do' exercise in the NHS - it is now a key part of improving patient care. Research is written into the NHS Constitution and this is now backed up through the CQC inspection process.
CQC Video on Developing our approach to system oversight. Specific ICS areas of interest relate to minute 10:30 onwards, but the initial context is also helpful.
CQC presentation given to the NIHR Network Working Group by Dominique Black
Working in partnership
The Health and Care Engagement Team historically forged work with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and brought together a project partnership to agree how to include clinical research in CQC monitoring and inspection of NHS Trusts.
The partnership included:
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
UK Research and Development Leaders (UKRD)
NHS R&D Forum
Health Research Authority (HRA)
Patient Research Ambassadors (PRAs)
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA)
In September 2018 the CQC signed off the incorporation of clinical research in its Well Led Framework (NHS Trusts). This is the first time a major NHS regulator has formally recognised clinical research activity in the NHS as a key component of best patient care.
Supporting Services and Providers with CQC Inspections
The CQC strategy published in June 2021 is the first to directly reference research as an integral part of achieving best patient care and follows the establishment of research indicators in the CQC Well Led Framework (Trusts) since 2018.
The strategy places the emphasis on the effectiveness of the entire patient pathway, reflecting the new Integrated Care System ethos.
Our_strategy_from_2021.pdfThe CQC has a remit to assess how care organisations are supporting and using health and care research to improve population health.
Well Led, Research and the Single Assessment Framework
The CQC has a new framework that includes what they refer to as 'key lines of enquiry' and research can demonstrate evidence of these, of particular relevance to you in your conversations should be the "Well Led" Section. In the Well Led Inspection Framework you will see examples of questions for organisations such as 'In what ways do leaders and staff strive for continuous learning, improvement and innovation? Does this include participating in appropriate research projects and recognised accreditation schemes?'
Take a look at the 'Speaking the right language' course on NIHR Learn which gives more details on the framework and how research delivery professionals can support providers with CQC objectives.
The focus is on how well an NHS Trust as a whole supports research activity. This involves strategic and divisional leadership, and patient opportunity and access around research.