Cambridge Clear Ear

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

This means we looked for evidence people had the best possible outcomes because their needs were assessed and care and treatment were provided in line with up-to-date best practice.

At our last inspection, we rated this key question good. At this inspection, the rating remains good.

This is because people were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

Staff made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing individual health, care, wellbeing, and communication needs with them. Patients were asked to complete a pre‑assessment form. During appointments a thorough physical assessment of patients’ ears were made. Information was provided to patients regarding the treatment and required aftercare, along with advice on potential warning signs to monitor following the procedure. Staff considered people’s wider health and wellbeing during appointments. Care plans were reviewed and updated when needed.

The service planned and delivered patient’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. For example, staff used single use equipment to minimise the risk of infection. Clinical records we saw demonstrated care was provided in line with current guidance.

Staff worked well across teams and services to support people, which helped to prevent delays in treatment and provided people with continuity of care. Staff had access to the information they needed to appropriately assess, plan, and deliver people’s care, treatment, and support. Staff worked with other services to ensure continuity of care, including where clinical tasks were delegated to other services.

The service supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. The service supported people to live healthier lives and, where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. The provider would refer patients to other services when required and service users were invited back for further appointments only when deemed necessary.

The service routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

The service told patients about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment. Staff understood and applied legislation relating to consent. Patients under 16 years old attended appointments with a parent or guardian, staff would always ensure that consent was obtained initially from the young person to ensure they wanted the treatment. Capacity and consent were recorded in records and information was available in an accessible format to assist with decision making and consent processes.