Quality standard

Using the quality standard

Using the quality standard

It is important that the quality standard is considered alongside current policy and guidance documents listed in development sources.

The quality measures accompanying the quality statements aim to improve the structure, process and outcomes of public health, health and social care. They are not a new set of targets or mandatory indicators for performance management.

Expected levels of achievement for quality measures are not specified. Because quality standards are intended to drive up the quality of care, achievement levels of 100% should be aspired to (or 0% if the quality statement states that something should not be done). However, we recognise that this may not always be appropriate in practice taking account of patient safety, patient choice and clinical judgement and therefore desired levels of achievement should be defined locally.

We have indicated where national indicators currently exist and measure the quality statement. For statements for which national quality indicators do not exist, the quality measures should form the basis for audit criteria developed and used locally to improve the quality of health and social care.

For further information, including guidance on using quality measures, please see quality standards on the NICE website.

Diversity, equality and language

Equality issues were considered during development and equality assessments for this quality standard are available.

Good communication between health and social care professionals and people with drug use disorders is essential. Treatment and care, and the information given about it, should be culturally appropriate. It should also be accessible to people with additional needs such as physical, sensory or learning disabilities, and to people who do not speak or read English. People with drug use disorders should have access to an interpreter or advocate if needed.