Introduction
This report surveys the impact of regulations, codes of practice, and health care policies to healthcare and social industry. It deeply investigates how such systems are developed and implemented in health and social world. The report lands on the results through a detailed examination of magazine articles, journal articles, and books. Next, this report puts the information into two sections: development and implementation stage of the policies.
2.1 Implementation of healthcare policies, legislation, regulations and code of practice that is relevant to own work in health and social care.
Policies, Legislations, regulation and codes of practice all have an impact on how an organization structures its policy and practice. Ultimately, they influence how I manage my home care agency. Policies should be relevant to all and cover adequately issues of confidentiality in accordance with the Data Protection Act (Kronenfeld, 33). Actions in the event of breach should also be provided. Accountability and Continuous monitoring and review are also included. Employees are given proper instructions about the implementation of the policies. For instance, the organizations policy against discrimination is guided by the government’s laws including (Legislation information England, 23): Sex Discrimination Act 1976, Race Relations Act 1976 and Employment Rights Act 1996.
The code of practice lists the standards of professional conduct and practice that I require as I go about my daily work. The general intention is to confirm the standards required in social care. The code also informs workers of what employers, service users, carers and the public expect of them. As a social care employer, the law spells out my role in the regulation of my workforce and the standards of conduct I am expected to meet. It also encourages me to examine my practice and address areas that require improvement.
In line with this code and policies, I have ensured that the workforce I hire is suitable and understand its role and responsibilities within the profession. They must demonstrate high professional skills and ethics (Kronenfeld, 33). In meeting this requirement, I have made sure that the organization conducts a rigorous and thorough recruitment and selection process. Only people with appropriate knowledge and skills are considered.
Similarly, I have ensured that there are written policies and procedures within the organization to guard against discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice. One such system guards against harassment based on an individual’s sex, race, religion, ethnicity or any other legally protected attribute. The policies are also meant to help the workers meet the General Social Care Council (GSCC) Code of Practice.
Likewise, I have provided training and development opportunities to facilitate the development of skills and advancement of knowledge among the social workers. To assess the need for further training, regular performance tests are carried out to gauge the quality of service being offered.
2.2 How local policies and procedures can be developed in accordance with national policy and requirements.
Regions with higher or lower socioeconomic features may, therefore, adopt local health and social care policies different from the national ones. Local policies and procedures present the platform on which health and social concerns delivered in accordance with national legal and policy requirements. Lack of proper local policies and procedures make it hard to maintain and improve quality.
The first step in the development of local policies and procedures is ensuring that the National Minimum Standards are met. A caregiver must by law meet these requirements in order to provide care services.
In developing the policies and procedures, the focus should remain on the client. Compliance with accreditation and legislative requirements must as well be kept. Access to all the concerned parties should also be created. The policies should contain aims and objectives they seek to attain. Their rationale must also be explained. After the planning stage, the next stage involves the establishment of local demographics (Hackay and Robert, 44). The local population is analyzed, and its structure and composition established. Aspects such as age, sex, and health history are taken into consideration.
The next stage involves the creation of working documents. The documents contain explanatory statements on the development of the local policies and procedures in health and social care (Leatt, Peggy, and Joseph, 28-30). It also implies commitment to do more work in the development process. Consultation and agreement with local stakeholders are then sought. The final stage involves modification of the policies and procedures arrived at to meet the specific requirements of the local organizations.
2.3 The impact of policy, legislation, regulation, and code of practice for organizational policy and practice.
The impact of policy, legislation, and code of practice of the organizations has been both positive and negative. The group is working smoothly, and this has continued to increase over time. Service delivery has improved. Workers are aware of the professional and legal guidelines underlying their conducts (Broker,John and Jackson 36). As a result, quality of service has risen. (Picture below shows workers within the organization)
Likewise, there is clear expectation both on the management and the workers side. Everyone is aware of their duties and responsibilities. With the help of the policies and procedures, it has become easier to assess performance and quality. Similarly, there is standardization of work within the organization. Regular training and skills enhancement among the workers has improved their ability to perform their work to the set standards. Networking opportunities have also facilitated learning and improved exposure to a variety of skills. (Chart below compares how workers performance has changed before and after implementation of training programs)
Also, staff and service users are now protected. Promotion of independence of service users and assistance in understanding and exercise of their rights has prompted heightened observation of safe work behavior. Compliance with health and safety policies has also played a crucial role in protecting the workers.
Despite the positive impact, the organization has also experienced some negatives.
The burden of administration has increased. Managers and heads of departments now have more work on their hands than was the case before. Record keeping tasks have increased, and so has the need for continuous planning, review, and supervision. Extra duties have meant tighter working hours that may not be safe and healthy. The cost of running the organization has also gone up (Broker, John and Jackson, 52) Involvement of experts in drafting of the policies and the need to hire more qualified workforce has raised the organizations operating cost. Training and development activities have also consumed valuable time for the group. Also, the organization is in a state of transition. Some of the policies are yet to be fully integrated into the organizations daily routine. Workers are still in a learning curve period have therefore not fully copied to the new framework. As a result, desired performance has yet to be realized.
Justification
Implementation of policies, legislation, regulations and code of practice in the health and social care institution yields better delivery of service. Smooth running of the organization is also facilitated.
Conclusion
Implementation of policies, legislation, regulation and code of practice has helped the organization improve its overall efficiency and improved working relations both within and outside it. The collection, recording, holding and usage of personal information have also developed. Management of health and safety at work policy has helped the manager to know measures to apply so as to keep the working environment safe for all users.
Works Cited
Broker, John, and J H. Jackson. Social Policy and Resource Management. Oxford:
Oxford University Press, 2007. Print.
Hackey, Robert B. Rethinking Health Care Policy: The New Practices of Geriatric Medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print.
Kronenfeld, Jennie J. A Practical Guide to Health Care Policy. Maidenhead, England:
Open University Press, 1997.Print.
Leatt, Peggy, and Christine Waugh. Government Relations in the Health Care Industry. Maidenhead: England, 2003. Print.
