Quality and Outcomes Framework Assessor Training

Skills in note-making, summarisingand report writing

Module S5

• To emphasise the importance of making accurate and relevant notes

• To emphasise the importance of writing well constructed reports

• To highlight the information to include in a report

Aims of the Module

• It is extremely difficult to get an accurate picture of a practice in a short space of time

• You cannot return later if you discover you cannot understand your notes

• If a report is inaccurate it creates a bad impression and is more likely to be challenged

• Once your report has gone off it is very difficult to correct mistakes

Key points

• Make detailed notes throughout your visit • Record the background facts• Write down what you hear or see – not your

own interpretation• Summarise what you think you heard by

reflecting it back• Ask to see the evidence – notes, registers

etc.

Making notes

• Flag up key points in the margin• If you subsequently can’t understand

what you’ve written go back and check it out

• Check that you have identified all key areas against the new contract documentation

Making notes

• Ask the facilitator questions about their job.

• Make detailed notes of the questions asked and responses given.

Note making exercise

• Report writing is an acquired skill

• Decide at the beginning of the visit who will write the report

• Include all relevant facts in the report

• State evidence not your impressions

• Ensure language used in the report is clear and unambiguous – avoid jargon

• Follow the suggested framework to ensure everything is covered

Writing a report

• Introduction (details of visit e.g. when, where and who was involved) • List information used during the pre-visit analysis• List domains and indicators sampled during the visit• Assess likely achievement, together with comparison to aspiration• Review any issues in each of the domains, noting action required• Highlight areas of success• Highlight areas of risk or where further action is needed • Summarise action points agreed by the contractor and the PCT• Detail any data quality remedial plan deemed necessary• Describe the contractor’s aspirations for the following year

Report – suggested framework

• Write the report as soon after the visit as possible

• Quality check the report - pass it round the assessment team for feedback (e.g. on clarity, evidence-based)

• Be aware of reporting timeframes• If the contractor doesn’t like your conclusions

they are likely to scrutinise every aspect

Final points on report writing