Reading a decline
A fall in score is stated as plainly as a rise; it usually means either a genuine deterioration or a more honest assessment than the last one.
IPC360 never hides a decline or softens the wording. The change is shown with its direction, and the components that fell are listed.
Common causes, in order of likelihood
- A more rigorous assessment may show that the earlier score was optimistic. This is common on a second assessment and is genuinely good news, though it is uncomfortable to present.
- Staff turnover, particularly where a component depended on one person.
- A policy that lapsed, or training that was not repeated.
- Evidence that could not be produced this time for something previously claimed.
Note: Say which of these it is when you present it. A decline that is explained is a functioning assessment programme; an unexplained one invites the wrong conclusion.
Source: IPC360 Help · Reading a trend
Related
- Reading an improvementAn improvement is shown as a positive change in points, the number of components that improved, and, where it applies, a move to a higher IPC level.
- Comparing assessmentsTrends compares your completed assessments, overall and component by component, and states the change in points rather than implying it with a line.
- GapsA gap is an explicit record of a weak or missing answer, traceable back to the indicator that produced it and ranked by priority.
Did this answer your question?
Ask IPC360 Assistant if you need this applied to your own assessment, or contact the MAUK Solutions team.
See also: Presenting a report to management · Component scores · WHO minimum requirements