Notes

Recently, outcome-based practice has been introduced in various professions since it aids in the achievement of measurable and relevant goals rather than just a general recommended series of processes. For it to be effective and standardized, it must be regulated by legislation or policies governing that field. Legislation and policy have great impact on outcome-based practice, since it does not only set the standards and possible expectations, it also lay down the principles guiding the practice. The Care Act 2014 is a piece of legislation that guarantees the well-being of vulnerable people and spells out the responsibility of the local authority in providing services that will help them to achieve their desired outcomes.

Moreso, policies determines how social care and support services are to be delivered by ensuring that the care and support is designed to meet the need of the individual instead of using the general “one size fit all” approach, which does not really take into cognizance the individual’s peculiarity, preferences and desires. According to the care and statutory guidance, one of the main purpose of adult care and support is to help the service users achieve meaningful goals that are important to them. The Adult Social Care Outcome Framework (ASCOF) has a great effect on outcome-based practice because it measures not only the effectiveness of care and support but also how relevant it is to service users. The data gathered from the Adult Social Care Outcome Framework survey is used to prioritize the care and support services, and monitor the progress achieved.

Furthermore, legislation lay out the substructure which holds service providers accountable, ensuring that they provide quality care and support services that are targeted at achieving positive results. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is one of the regulatory bodies that are empowered to make service providers comply with the set standards by carrying out regular monitoring and inspection.
In a nutshell, legislation and policy has a great effect on outcome-based practice, as it not just form the framework, but also give legitimacy to the care and support services being rendered.