LAUSR

Background/Introduction: The NCCTRC is the custodian of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) capability. AUSMAT achieved World Health Organization (WHO) verification as a Type 2 Emergency Medical Team (EMT) in 2016. The NCCTRC explored a quality framework to support quality improvement beyond WHO minimum standards. The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) accreditation standards were applied to a unique field capability setting. Objectives: Establish a quality improvement framework for AUSMAT deployable capability to ensure delivery of the highest standard of care to populations affected by disasters and health emergencies. Method/Description: ACHS surveyors conducted a scoping assessment in 2017. The ACHS EQuIP Framework provided flexibility to accommodate the complexity of a deployable health facility, the fixed and virtual workforce, and the application of disaster response/humanitarian principles. Self-assessment identified gaps, which were remedied by the development of multiple tools, and an on-going program of improvement in formal documentation of process. Results/Outcomes: NCCTRC achieved ACHS EQuIP accreditation in June 2019. NCCTRC was awarded the ACHS Global Quality Improvement Award in November 2019. Survey in May 2021 demonstrated continued achievement. Conclusion: The application of a national accreditation framework to an EMT is unique. The NCCTRC applied a quality improvement framework to provide a standard of care that meets national health facility accreditation criteria, setting a new standard of clinical quality in the field.