Desk audits
What is a desk audit?
A desk audit is a review of the results of the self-assessment and supporting documents, and any information provided to the Agency by the Department of Health and Ageing such as certification status, prudential arrangements, concessional resident ratios or information about complaints matters.
How is the desk audit conducted?
After an application for accreditation is deemed valid, a team of assessors is appointed. This team then undertakes a desk audit.
During the desk audit the assessment team identifies issues requiring follow up at site audit, and plans how to verify and corroborate the information in the application. The team also identifies if there are any special needs groups for which arrangements need to be made, eg provision of an interpreter.
The assessment team may find the application does not contain enough information and evidence of results achieved for residents to demonstrate the residential aged care home complies with the Accreditation Standards. The assessment team may request further information be sent to the Agency or to be available on site, or may recommend there is not sufficient information to proceed to a site audit.
What happens after a desk audit?
After the desk audit, the assessment team prepares a desk audit report which includes advice about whether or not the information in the application indicates that the residential aged care home complies with the Accreditation Standards.
A decision-maker decides whether to proceed with the application for accreditation. The approved provider is advised in writing by us of the decision to proceed or not to proceed to site audit.
If the audit is to proceed, the information includes the dates of the audit, a proposed audit schedule to assist the residential aged care home plan for the audit and, if it will assist the residential aged care home demonstrate its compliance with the Accreditation Standards, a request to provide specific information during the site audit. The team leader also contacts the residential aged care home to answer any questions and to clarify any logistical information.
If the Agency decides not to proceed to site audit, the approved provider is given in writing:
- reasons for the decision, including any matters for improvement which would allow the assessment team to recommend the application continue to site audit
- information about arrangements for support contacts
- information about how to apply for reconsideration or review of the decision, and
- a copy of the desk audit report.
The residential aged care home may then make the suggested improvements and re-apply for accreditation or apply for reconsideration of our decision.
