You are here: Home » CORNERSTONE » Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How does it work?
Once a practice completes a registration form, the administrator builds a practice profile for the CORNERSTONE Programme from the information provided. The information is also collated in an anonymous format to compile an annual Profile of New Zealand General Practices.
Practices can then choose to:
- Work to meet Aiming for Excellence RNZCGP Standard for General Practices in New Zealand and to be assessed for accreditation within the following 12 months.
- Work to meet Aiming for Excellence RNZCGP Standard for General Practices in New Zealand and to be assessed for accreditation before June 2011.
- Use Aiming for Excellence RNZCGP Standard for General Practices in New Zealand as the basis for quality improvement and quality assurance activities in the practice; but not look to be assessed for accreditation.
What’s in it for me?
Be the best you can possibly be. Harness the power of the practice team.
How is this going to benefit our patients?
You already focus on doing your very best for your patients. If you remedy a problem found during the assessment, your best gets better.
How is this going to benefit our practice?
You will get best results from teamwork. Involve your staff at every stage as you analyse your practice. They will help plan, evaluate and drive any change.
Is there any evidence of benefit from practice accreditation?
Research shows primary care management training improves patient outcomes, and patient and staff satisfaction. A practice with that kind of reputation grows. Practices that demonstrate excellence may attract future incentives.
Is it compulsory?
No. With the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and the challenges of the Health & Disability Commission, can practices afford not to minimise risk by demonstrating determination to be the best they can possibly be?
How many MOPS credits do I get?
This is a practice review activity within MOPS. There are 15 credits per GP for completing the self-assessment, 15 credits for achieving practice accreditation. Practice nurses may also claim for credits. Like MOPS, Aiming for Excellence has a three-year cycle.
How long does CORNERSTONE accreditation last?
CORNERSTONE is valid for three years.
Accreditation is awarded to the practice based on the assessment at that time. If circumstances change, it must be determined if the practice has the capacity to continue to fulfill the requirements of the standard used for accreditation.
Changes may relate to a range of areas including:
a) Legal, commercial, organisational status, ownership or management
b) Change or addition of practice premises
c) Restriction, expansion or change in the scope services
d) Any serious incident that has or may affect the health and/or safety of people for whom the practice provides services
e) Any police or professional investigation related to the service or the premises where the services are delivered
Practices must notify the College of any changes.
Practices wishing to re-accredit without losing their accredited status should begin work on the appropriate version of Aiming for Excellence in good time to complete the process and be awarded re-accreditation prior to the expiry of their original certificate.
Is there any support?
The Ministry of Health CORNERSTONE Contract with the RNZCGP includes facilitation funding to enable Primary Health Organisations (PHO) to assist their general practices.
Practices should contact their regional PHO for further information.
Primary Health Organisations who wish to take up this facilitation funding should contact the CORNERSTONE team for a work plan template and contract details.
In addition the PHO may wish to run a Getting Started Workshop for their practices. Please contact the CORNERSTONE team for further details.
The CORNERSTONE team at the College can provide advice and support by phone or email. This includes but is not limited to:
- How to register with the programme
- How to access the software including the use of the attachment facility
- MOH & GDSL contract details
- How to interpret the criteria
- Where to access additional assistance
- How to book an assessment visit
- How to manage the post assessment dialogue with the assessors
The College h
as worked with the Medical Assurance Society (MAS) to develop resources that assist practices in meeting non-clinical indicators required to obtain CORNERSTONE Accreditation. These have been developed with legal and accounting assistance.
Practices must subscribe to Healthy Practice through MAS to receive the full benefits. The subscription is based on the number of fulltime doctors in the practice and discounted if the practice insurance is held by MAS.
Contact a MAS Advisor directly on 0800 800 627 (MAS).