CQC Inspection Audit
CQC inspectors evaluate practices against 5 Key Questions. This guide breaks down what inspectors actually look for, cutting through the generic management speak.
The 5 Key Questions
1. Are they Safe?
This is where practices fail most often. It is entirely objective.
- Infection Control: Are you adhering to HTM 01-05? Are your daily logs filled out correctly?
- Medical Emergencies: Are the emergency drugs in date? Is the oxygen cylinder full?
- Radiography: Are your Local Rules displayed and signed? Have all staff completed IRMER training?
- Safeguarding: Does every staff member have Level 2 Safeguarding? (Level 3 for the Lead). Are DBS checks up to date?
2. Are they Effective?
Relates to clinical outcomes and evidence-based care.
- Are clinicians completing their mandatory CPD?
- Are clinical audits being completed (e.g., Radiograph grading audits, antimicrobial prescribing audits)?
- Are patient records detailed, contemporaneous, and stored securely?
3. Are they Caring?
Focuses on patient interaction and dignity.
- Is patient privacy respected at reception?
- Are treatment options (and costs) clearly explained?
- Is the practice accessible?
4. Are they Responsive?
How the practice deals with complaints and access.
- Is the complaints procedure visible in the waiting room?
- Is there a log of complaints and the actions taken to resolve them?
- How are emergency appointments triaged?
5. Are they Well-led?
Focuses on management structure and culture.
- Are regular staff meetings held with minutes recorded?
- Is there a clear risk management framework?
- Is there a culture of learning from significant events (SEA logging)?
The "Significant Event" Trap
Inspectors want to see that you log mistakes and learn from them. If a practice claims they have had "zero significant events" in three years, the inspector will assume the practice has a culture of hiding mistakes, not a culture of perfection. Log everything (e.g., a delayed lab case, a minor sharps injury) and document the policy change.
Interactive Self-Audit
Don't wait for the call. Run through our Interactive CQC Checklist Tool to score your practice's readiness today.