How the quality indicators were developed

Find out how the quality indicators were developed, including research and consultations and a national pilot in aged care services.

Developing the program

The QI Program started on 1 July 2019. At that time it required all approved providers of residential aged care services to report on 3 mandatory quality indicators. These related to:

  • pressure injuries
  • physical restraint
  • unplanned weight loss.

We updated and expanded the QI Program from 1 July 2021. This was part of the 2019–20 budget measure More Choices for a Longer Life – Mandatory National Quality Indicators and Reducing the Misuse of Medicines in Residential Aged Care. We developed new quality indicators relating to:

  • medication management
  • falls and major injury.

summary report from June 2020, outlined the development of these quality indicators. 

We further expanded the QI Program on 1 April 2023. Learn more about the new quality indicators.

The process of developing the new quality indicators for residential aged care included:

  • evidence-based literature review
  • national stakeholder consultations, both virtual and written
  • expert consultations
  • testing with providers and stakeholders
  • trial in residential aged care services.

    The following reports outline work undertaken to further expand the program:

    QI Program for in-home aged care

    We are expanding the QI Program to in-home aged care. This is part of the Government response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. We plan to introduce:

    • quality indicators for in-home aged care
    • consumer experience and quality of life measures for in-home aged care.

    The process of developing new quality indicators has included:

    • evidence-based literature review
    • national stakeholder consultations, both virtual and written
    • expert consultations.

    The following reports outline the work undertaken to expand the program:

    Laws to support our quality indicators

    The Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Quality Indicator Program) Principles 2021 took effect on 1 July 2021.

    This amendment updated the following principles under the Aged Care Act 1997 to expand the program: 

    Date last updated:

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