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.
A 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:
- Measurement tools for assessing quality of life, consumer satisfaction and consumer experience across residential and in-home aged care – Summary report
- Expansion of the residential aged care quality indicators – Evidence review summary
- Expansion of quality indicators for residential aged care – Summary report
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:
- Measurement tools for assessing quality of life, consumer satisfaction and consumer experience across residential and in-home aged care – Summary report
- Development of quality indicators for in-home aged care – Evidence review summary.
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: