There are 3 levels to which primary care facilities/practices are Certified to IPCS.
Level 1: The primary care facility/practice fulfils all legislative requirements i.e. Safety Statement, Risk Assessments, Irish Medical Council and legislative requirements.
Level 2: The primary care facility/practice has a higher management standard and are monitoring their activities and processes with a continuous improvement programme.
Level 3: The primary care facility/practice has a commitment to the highest standards attainable, consults regularly with patient groups, measures and reviews clinical, management and financial key practice indicators and shows a high level of community involvement.
Certification can be achieved by putting the standard in place and then having it audited externally by EQA, an international accreditation body operating under the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB). Certification can be maintained by annual audits with the aim that Primary Care Centres / GP Practices can progress through from level 1, 2 and up to level 3 by implementing programmes of continuous improvements.
Independent, international organised certification of activities and processes in primary care and general practice ensure that you can control your own destinies by demonstrating best clinical practice and care to your patients and others. It also demonstrates effective management and best use of resources, while helping to maintain and enhance clinical skills.
