K101 Accountability

K101 Accountability

1. Being accountable means...

   • taking responsibility for everything you do or fail to do
   • Being able to describe/justify your actions so that others can judge whether you have properly fulfilled your duties

2. Employers ensure accountability by.....

   • Providing statements about responsibilities eg job description, contract, staff handbook etc
   • Procedures for making performance or outcomes visible, eg care records
   • Penalties for poor performance
   • Rewards for excellent performance
   • Official mechanisms for examining performance, eg review meetings
   • Process for investigating when things go wrong, eg complaints procedure, disciplinary proceedings etc
   • Inspections and external monitoring, eg CQC

3. Example - Leeds General Infirmary for Paediatric Cardiology

   • High Mortality, Lack of support/compassion, pressure for terminations, parents made to feel guilty
     • Independent report found lack of leadership, accountability & communication. NHS apologised.