The Royal College of Chiropractors believes that chiropractic services should be centred on the users of those services. The College supports the delivery of services that are flexible and responsive to the needs of patients, acknowledging them as partners in their own care.
This view was endorsed by Chiropractic Patient Voice (previously the Lay Partnership Group), a forum that provides a patient and public viewpoint with regard to College business, and develops initiatives to support patient advocacy.
Patient Partnership Quality Mark
About the PPQM
In September 2006, the Patient Partnership Quality Mark (PPQM) was launched as a component of the College’s Safety, Quality, Excellence initiative. The PPQM is awarded to recognise excellence in terms of meeting patient expectations.
Practices are required to demonstrate they meet patient expectations in a wide range of areas, as identified by the lay people, including the following:
Practices are also invited to explain how they undertake other activities to meet patient expectations in ways not envisaged by the group.
Detailed guidance and a range of resources to support applicants are provided.
Call for Applications status: Applications for the period 2027 – 2029 are open.
Application Process
Applications, which need to be supported by relevant evidence, are considered by a Chiropractic Patient Voice group and judged on the form submitted. The panel reserves the right to check the validity of statements made, as necessary. Practices vary enormously in terms of size, however the size of a practice is not a deciding factor, and each application is considered on its own merit.
Successful Practices are recognised through the PPQM and are granted permission to use the PPQM logo on practice correspondence and literature. An optional plaque is available for practices wishing to showcase their accreditation. This provides a clear message to current and prospective patients. The award is made for a period of three years after which a further application is needed if the quality mark is to be retained.
Over time, it is envisaged that this initiative will continue to identify examples of good practice as well as promoting and identifying standards for best practice in terms of meeting patient expectations.
Clinical Management Quality Mark
About the CMQM
In 2008/2009 the Clinical Management Quality Mark (CMQM) was launched to complement the PPQM. The CMQM recognises excellence in terms of operating within a structured and managed clinical environment. Applicants must demonstrate excellence in a range of areas including:
Detailed guidance and a range of resources to support applicants are provided.
Call for Applications status: Applications for the period 2027 – 2029 are open.
Application Process
Applications, which need to be supported by relevant evidence, are considered by a Chiropractic Patient Voice group and judged on the form submitted. The panel reserves the right to check the validity of statements made, as necessary. Practices vary enormously in terms of size, however the size of a practice is not a deciding factor, and each application is considered on its own merit.
Successful Practices are recognised through the CMQM and are granted permission to use the CMQM logo on practice correspondence and literature. An optional plaque is available for practices wishing to showcase their accreditation. This provides a clear message to current and prospective patients. The award is made for a period of three years after which a further application is needed if the quality mark is to be retained.
Over time, it is envisaged that this initiative will continue to identify examples of good practice as well as promoting and identifying standards for best practice in terms of meeting patient expectations.