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Becoming a QICSA Reviewer

The Quality Improvement and Community Services Accreditation (QICSA) reviewer training and professional development program is designed so that reviewers can:

	Competently carry out an external review using the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) standards and review process
	Effectively facilitate quality improvement through QICSA’s continuous improvement program.

There are a number of benefits both to you and to your organisation in becoming a QICSA reviewer. These include:

	Gaining insights into other organisations and sectors — and their quality activities
	Enhancing your skills and knowledge in relation to quality and the accreditation process, which can then be utilised in your own and other organisations
	Joining QICSA’s mentoring program, where experienced reviewers support newer reviewers in their quality and accreditation activities
	Participating in ongoing active and challenging learning through our professional development process.

The system consists of four components: basic quality review training; QICSA-specific training; supervised practical training; and continuing professional development. Each of these components is described in more detail below.

Basic Quality Review Training

The first step in review training is the completion of the postgraduate subject Quality Review of Health and Community Support Services PHE4QRH (see here for further details) through La Trobe University. There are two ways of doing this, as follows:

Please note: La Trobe University or any other tertiary institution will not necessarily recognise the continuing education certificate as being of equivalent value to a tertiary subject.
	Completing the subject to Continuing Education Certificate (CEC) level	Completing the subject to Full subject credit level (as single subject or part of an award)
Contact hours	28 hours	28 hours
Non-contact hours	14 hours	14 hours
Evaluation	3000 word essay	3000-word essay plus 1 hour multiple choice examination
Proposed dates for 2009	tba
Venue
Cost	$800.00	$1562.50 as part of a post graduate course. $2338.00 as a single subject (see 2008 Course Handbook for further information)
Apply through	For further information contact QICSA Program Support Officer QICSA office Ph 03 9479 5888 or email qicsa@latrobe.edu.au Application forms are available.	Postgraduate Enrolments School of Public Health La Trobe University For further information contact the Postgraduate Admin Officer, on 03 9479 5724.
Other relevant information	Successful completion of CEC is minimum requirement for ongoing QICSA reviewer training and employment as a QICSA reviewer.	Core subject in the Graduate Certificate in Quality Improvement for Primary Care Services (see here for further details), which articulates with GradDip in Health Services Management.

QICSA-specific training

Following completion of the first stage of training to a minimum of Continuing Education Certificate level, reviewers undertake a two further days of training specific to the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) Standards and Accreditation Program (for which QICSA is the Licensed Provider in Victoria), and a range of other integrated standards and accreditation programs. This training, scheduled for April 2008, will equip reviewers to undertake reviews as part of a QICSA review team, and covers:

	Obligations as a reviewer (including Code of Conduct)
	The accreditation cycle and timelines for all accreditation programs in which QICSA operates
	The review process
	Ppreparing for reviews
	On-site review activities — inspection, document review and interviews
	Strength of evidence
	Determining ratings.

At this time we will schedule trainees to attend their first review (as an observer).

Supervised on-site training

To become a fully qualified reviewer, trainee reviewers need to undertake additional reviews across a range of service types, joining experienced reviewers, gaining practical experience and building competencies. Trainee reviewers undertake one review as an observer, and generally undertake at least one to two further reviews as a trainee to gain the necessary competencies (at least 4-6 days of practical training as trainee). Once competencies are achieved, reviewers will then be certified to be a full member of a review team.

In all on-site training undertaken, you must meet a minimum standard of competency, assessed by your peers on the review team and by QICSA. Competency is assessed against QIC reviewer requirements (more information can be found here).

To go on to become a review coordinator (the review team leader), further training and supervised reviews are undertaken, equipping you for this role. The coordinator assumes responsibility for the management of a complete review (initially under supervision); additional responsibilities include preparing and implementing the review process, leading your team, and report writing. Again, the review coordinator under supervision must meet a minimum standard of competency as judged by the supervising reviewer/s. Competency is assessed against explicit criteria, which are described here.

Continuing professional development

To remain active as a reviewer, individuals are required to participate in a structured professional development (PD) program. This involves setting and meeting skill development goals through a structured needs identification process. Attendance at QICSA’s designated reviewer training is a component of your PD plan.

Please note: QICSA reviewers are also required to participate in a minimum of five days of reviewing (i.e., at least two reviews) per year, to maintain their skill levels and currency in terms of process and content.

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