Evidence of a System

Evidence is not concerned with volume but with being able to demonstrate that a system is in place to support and maintain the activity described.

Documentation is considered to be ‘the gold standard’ evidence of performance, although observation can confirm conclusions reached from assessing other types of evidence and can add knowledge about the nature of actual practice. (i.e. that practice follows the documented procedures)

Strong evidence is the existence of a coherent set of documents and records of implementation that relate to each element. A small number of documents representing a coherent system are weighted more heavily than multiple isolated documents and records.

In the context of a Plan, Do, Study, Act approach or other continuous improvement cycle, the Essential level is primarily concerned with the deployment of policies and legislation and the existence of systems to ensure that operational requirements are met. There should be a document trail that provides evidence of what is to be done, how it is to be done, and who does it, and records exist that describe the action being carried out as set out (refer to the following four critical characteristics of evidence).

Back

Index

Divisions

Contact Details

Evidence of a System