New research conducted on behalf of Reframe Cancer, the leading provider of specialist cancer navigation, has revealed that 38% of UK adviser firms say they understand what CQC (Care Quality Commission) registration means in relation to added value service providers being able to provide clinically approved support for patients.
Last week’s delivery of the National Cancer Plan has further highlighted the important role that CQC regulated services will play. High-quality cancer care depends on expert clinical oversight, flexible access, robust technology, and consistently excellent outcomes. As the NHS and UK government look to implement an array of ambitious targets and screening expansions, employers and insurers will need to fill the void for years to come to help ensure everyone is able to receive an early and fast cancer diagnosis.
The research amongst 29 UK adviser firms further revealed however that 41% of those surveyed did not know what CQC registration meant in relation to third party/added value service providers being able to provide clinically approved support for patients, whilst 21% said they were unsure what it meant.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered cancer care providers are officially monitored, inspected, and regulated by the CQC. The care provided must be of the highest clinical and legal standards, with providers undertaking regular inspections. The CQC can take appropriate action if standards are not met. Not every cancer care provider in the UK has undertaken the stringent CQC assessments to be registered and meet the highest clinical standards.
Mark Stephenson, CEO at Reframe Cancer, commented: “It’s positive news that one in three UK adviser firms understand the importance of third party service providers being CQC registered. There is a clear limit to what can be achieved without clinically approved providers being regulated by the CQC and held to the highest standards, and it could impact the quality of care a client receives. In cancer care, delays cost lives, so if any nursing support or clinical expertise is outsourced that can take time, and with cancer every day counts. Crucially NHS and private treatment teams are more open to dialogue and engagement with CQC regulated businesses as they know they can discuss clinical matters. Additionally privacy and data collection are held to the highest standard, and teams are fully clinically trained so able to follow all recommended processes.
It’s also vital that advisers understand the importance of CQC registration as it has probably never been more important given last week’s announcement of the National Cancer Plan by the NHS and UK government. Whilst the plan is a positive step forward, many of the targets and actions will take too long to implement. This means that when it comes to prevention and early detection, employers and insurers will have to step up and fill this void for some time to come.”
Joanna Streames, Mortgage & Protection Adviser at Velvet Mortgage & Insure Services commented: “CQC registration gives credibility to the wellbeing services being offered. More importantly it makes policyholders aware of what they have included in the first place, so they remember to contact us when it might be useful to use the services they have access to.”
