+++ Newsletter 1/2009 +++ June 2009 +++
Matrix developed for the comparison of QM systems
During a three-day workshop in Greece the BEST Quality Project partners have developed a matrix by which various quality management systems can be compared.
The aim was to define indicators that would enable the principles of the individual systems to be compared. The assessment grid conforms to the Guidelines for Quality (rights, service receiver orientation, holistic approach, co-determination, partnership, result orientation, responsible management) as defined by the Disability High Level Group in June 2007.
With the comparison of the systems, statutory regulations were taken into account as well as the experiences of the project partners with the use of QM systems in facilities for the care of the elderly and people with disabilities.
The matrix can be viewed on the project website: www.best-quality.eu.
The next steps
The project partners, as well as the supporting organisations of the QM systems, will complete the matrix before the next workshop in Lithuania takes place. A detailed study will be written for the European Commission from these results. It should clarify which QM systems fulfil the quality standards required by the European Union and therefore deserve Europe-wide recognition.
The European Commission will receive recommendations regarding the comparability and performance effectiveness of the QM systems.
The next workshop will take place on the 1st and 2nd of October 2009 in Vilnius. Information on the results of the workshop can be found under: www.best-quality.eu and in the next edition of our newsletter.