MedWorm: Quality and Outcomes Framework

GPs set for stricter targets on warfarin treatment

Pulse — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:50:00 +0100

Exclusive: GPs will be expected to place more patients on warfarin under plans to tighten QOF and NICE guidance on atrial fibrillation, a top Department of Health adviser has revealed. (Source: Pulse)

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NICE seeks feedback on new QOF indicators

Pulse — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:32:00 +0100

NICE has asked GPs to comment on six proposed new indicators for the 2011/12 quality and outcomes framework. (Source: Pulse)

Scottish GPs set for QOF threshold drop after vaccination success

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:14:00 +0100

Scottish practices are set to receive relaxed QOF thresholds after achieving higher swine flu vaccine uptake rate than last year's seasonal flu vaccine. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

NICE invites stakeholders to comment on QOF for 2011/12

NeLM - News — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News NICE has opened its consultation on potential new indicators for inclusion in the 2011/12 Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF). These indicators were developed following recommendations from the QOF Advisory Committee meeting (June 2009) and piloted across a number of general practices. Stakeholders are now asked to comment on these indicators identifying any challenges to implementation, possible unintended consequences and impact on health inequalities. The consultation closes on 11 April 2010. NICE will publish a menu of recommended indicators for the 2011/12 QOF together with those to be considered for retirement in August. The selection of the final indicators for inclusion within the QOF will be decided by NHS Employers, on behalf of th...

Scottish GPs hit swine flu vaccination targets

Pulse — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:30:00 +0100

Thousands of GPs in Scotland are set to qualify for relaxed patient experience QOF thresholds after achieving an average 53.2% uptake for swine flu vaccination at-risk patients under-65, exceeding the Government’s target of 50.7%. (Source: Pulse)

NICE Invites Stakeholders To Comment On 2011/12 Quality Outcomes Framework

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has opened its consultation on potential new indicators for inclusion in the 2011/12 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). Stakeholders are invited to email their comments on a set of potential indicators via the NICE website (http://www.nice.org.uk). Anyone with an interest in health, including health professionals, patients, community groups and voluntary organisations, is encouraged to take part in the consultation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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NICE Invites Stakeholders To Comment On 2011/12 Quality Outcomes Framework

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Mental illness indicators could double in QOF review

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:10:00 +0100

The number of QOF indicators for serious mental illness could double if proposals are accepted. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

GP leaders warn cash cuts are raising pressure on general practice

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Cuts in health spending could affect quality of care, doctors toldRelated items from OnMedica'Ditch' private management consultants from the NHSSecond London chief executive resignsChlamydia programme wasted moneyTeam announced to lead review of QOF indicatorsImprovements seen in survival of intensive care patients (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Magnetic stimulation device treats migraine

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

New device is safe and effective potential home treatment for migraineRelated items from OnMedicaCollar and rest best for recent-onset cervical radiculopathyMRI can predict brain activity Blood pressure drugs may reduce risk of dementiaGP leader warns against 'political meddling' Government confirms NICE is to choose QOF indicators (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Improvements in glycaemic control and cholesterol concentrations associated with the Quality and Outcomes Framework: a regional 2-year audit of diabetes care in the UK

Diabetic Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Since the introduction of performance indicators for primary care and the incorporation of pay for performance in 2004, there has been marked improvement in the management of hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolaemia among people with diabetes with data available in 2006 and 2008. It remains to be seen whether the new HbA1c audit target (HbA1c < 7.0%) introduced in 2009 will result in a further improvement in glycaemic control. (Source: Diabetic Medicine)

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Threat to QOF scores for diabetes

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:15:00 +0100

Quality framework payments for diabetes are likely to fall this year as GPs push fewer patients to achieve the lowest HbA1c target, experts have warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

No to QOF target of less than 7%, again

BMJ Online First — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:54:49 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

QOF set for acute illness target

Pulse — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:40:00 +0100

GPs could be paid for the first time for meeting QOF targets in an acute illness, and for their success at not prescribing a drug. (Source: Pulse)

Evidence-based commissioning: using population impact measures to help primary care trusts estimate the benefit of interventions in diabetes and heart failure

Quality and Safety in Health Care — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:11:10 +0100

Conclusions Local data and published literature estimates can be successfully combined to produce the number of events prevented within a locally defined PCT population (NEPP). Commissioners have shown interest in the utility of such a measure in identifying and quantifying areas for improvement. (Source: Quality and Safety in Health Care)

Scottish ministers urged to value QOF

BMA daily feed — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:42:19 +0100

Keep QOF central to work of general practice, urges BMA (Source: BMA daily feed)

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Death becomes her

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Our locum blogger GP for Hire thinks a change in the law on assisted suicide makes perfect sense - if you want to pay GPs for killing patients. Just wait till they make it a QOF target... (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

'Scrap upper thresholds of QOF indicators', urges DoH review

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:20:00 +0100

Upper thresholds on quality indicators should be scrapped to incentivise practices to offer all patients best quality care, a DoH review of health inequalities has argued. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Quality In General Practice: Improving Care For Patients, Scotland

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0100

GPs are delivering dramatic improvements to the care and treatment of patients with long term conditions, reducing hospital admissions and saving lives, according to a new briefing paper published by BMA Scotland on Monday. The BMA Scotland briefing, The Quality and Outcomes Framework: delivering care; improving patient outcomes, considers the impact that the Quality Framework (QOF) of the 2004 general medical services contract is having on patient care... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Promoting long-acting reversible contraception

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:05:00 +0100

NICE guidance and the QOF encourage GPs to prescribe more long-acting forms of contraception. Dr Meg Thomas, a Faculty of Reproductive Healthcare member, explains why. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

QOF has made "dramatic improvements" to patient care

Management in Practice — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:02:23 +0100

The Quality and Outcomes Framework is helping reduce health inequalities and should remain central to general practice, says the BMAS (Source: Management in Practice)

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NICE Welcomes Topic Suggestions For QOF

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has opened the second and final phase of topic suggestion for the 2012/13 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). An online topic suggestion facility will allow stakeholders to submit suggestions for new indicators for QOF based on NICE guidance or other NHS Evidence accredited sources. Anyone with an interest in health, including health professionals, patients, community groups and voluntary organisations are encouraged to contribute to the development of the 2012/13 framework via the NICE website... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

NICE Welcomes Topic Suggestions For QOF

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

NICE seeks suggestions for 2012/13 QOF

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

NICE has opened an online forum allowing GPs and others to suggest changes for the 2012/13 QOF. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Easy way to 100% QOF scores, report claims

Pulse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:13:00 +0100

A private firm is claiming GPs can score maximum QOF points while doing less work, after identifying a series of tips for 100% scores. (Source: Pulse)

Tory think tank calls for extra QOF in poor areas

Pulse — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:30:00 +0100

An influential Conservative think tank has called for GPs in deprived areas to receive extra payments for diagnosing new patients with chronic illness – as part of a radical re-working of the QOF. (Source: Pulse)

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Tory think tank calls for extra QOF in poor areas

Pulse — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:30:00 +0100

NICE to review 'dangerous' QOF diabetes targets

Pulse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:46:00 +0100

Exclusive: NICE is to review the QOF diabetes targets after a major new study found taking HbA1c to below 7.5% could drive up mortality. (Source: Pulse)

NICE to review 'dangerous' QOF diabetes targets

Pulse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:46:00 +0100

Exclusive: NICE is to review the QOF diabetes targets after a major new study found taking HbA1c to below 7.5% could drive up mortality. (Source: Pulse)

Doubt raised on QOF targets for diabetes

Pulse — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:40:00 +0100

Putting diabetes patients on strict glucose control regimes could be almost as dangerous as uncontrolled blood sugar levels, research has shown. (Source: Pulse)

Doubt raised on QOF targets for diabetes

Pulse — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:19:00 +0100

Putting diabetes patients on strict glucose control regimes could be almost as dangerous as uncontrolled blood sugar levels, research has shown. (Source: Pulse)

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Tories to reshape QOF to focus on public health outcomes

Pulse — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Conservatives have released details of their plans to radically reshape the QOF to focus more on health prevention. (Source: Pulse)

Health Select Committee report calls for minimum pricing on alcohol

NeLM - News — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Daily Dose Area: News In a report published on 8th January 2010, the Health Select Committee warns that the drinks industry and supermarkets hold more power over government alcohol policies than expert health professionals. The Committee calls for the introduction of minimum pricing on alcohol but notes that this must be part of a wider policy aimed at changing attitudes to alcohol. It states that early detection and intervention could be easily be built into existing healthcare screening initiatives, and recommends that incentives for doing this be provided in the QOF. The report has received support from health experts including the NHS and the British Medical Association. NICE has backed the call for minimum pricing of alcohol, and ...

Sulphonyurea as a cause of severe hypoglycaemia in the community

Primary Care Diabetes — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: All patients taking SU and insulin treatment are potentially at risk of developing hypoglycaemia. Our, analysis shows that almost 15% of patients in our region who suffered from severe hypoglycaemia, were on SU therapy. Patients in this group were older and had lower levels of HbA1c. Whilst national HbA1c targets may be useful for clinicians to define glycaemic targets for their, population, this has to be tempered by what is in the best interests of the patient and not what is, dictated by the Quality and Outcomes Framework. Possible alternatives to SU therapy should be, considered especially if hypoglycaemia is a concern. (Source: Primary Care Diabetes)

Radical change in alcohol policy needed, say MPs

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:10:00 +0100

Incentives for the early detection and intervention of alcohol-related ill health should be provided in the quality framework (QOF), according to a report by MPs. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Is use of lower-price statins linked to poorer cholesterol control?

NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: British Journal of General Practice Area: News A study published in the BJGP suggests that practices that have a greater proportion of low-cost statin prescribing may have poorer control of cholesterol levels. The author comments that UK GPs are under pressure to use mainly lower-cost statins for cholesterol control, and suggests that this may lead to poorer outcomes. He uses published administrative data to investigate whether high proportions of low-cost statin prescribing are associated with differences in outcome measures. The outcome data used come from the NHS QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework): amongst other measures, this reports the proportions of patients with histories of cardiovascular disease and stroke who have total cholesterol levels below 5mmol/l. Dat...

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Nurse staffing and quality of care in UK general practice: cross-sectional study using routinely collected data.

The British Journal of General Practice — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Practices that employ more nurses perform better in a number of clinical domains measured by the QOF. This improved performance includes better intermediate clinical outcomes, suggesting real patient benefit may be associated with using nurses to deliver care to meet QOF targets. PMID: 20040166 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)

GPC shelves work on QOF suspension for swine flu

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:20:00 +0100

Progress on creating an emergency Statement of Financial Entitlements (eSFE) for 2009/10 if the swine flu pandemic meant the quality framework had to be suspended has stalled. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

PAD and asthma plan indicators proposed for 2012/13 QOF

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:20:00 +0100

A peripheral arterial disease (PAD) register and an asthma care plan indicator should be considered for inclusion in the quality framework in 2012/13, the NICE QOF committee has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

NICE approves trials of QOF indicators for PAD and asthma

Pulse — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:09:00 +0100

Indicators for peripheral arterial disease will be piloted with a view to including them in the quality and outcomes framework, the committee appointed by NICE to approve new indicators has decided. (Source: Pulse)

NICE set to streamline cardiovascular QOF indicators

Pulse — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:50:00 +0100

NICE are looking at ways of reshaping the QOF to create a ‘composite register’ for cardiovascular disease, to streamline the framework and minimise the overlap between different disease areas. (Source: Pulse)

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QoF reform in five year plan

EHI Primary Care — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:05 +0100

The Department of Health has promised to introduce a "significant reform" of the Quality and Outcomes Framework from 2011 as part of its five year plan for the NHS. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

GPs face five-year efficiency drive and tougher QOF

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:08:00 +0100

Any pay increase for GPs for the next five years will only cover rising practice expenses, and will be dependent on practices finding at least 1% efficiency savings, the DoH has announced. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

NHS Employers and General Practitioners Committee publish updated FAQs on chronic kidney disease

NeLM - News — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Employers Area: News NHS Employers and the General Practitioners Committee have published updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) on diagnosing and managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), last published in 2007. The FAQs now include the latest available evidence and subsequent changes to the relevant indicators in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). (Source: NeLM - News)

Outcome data for AF screening

Networks Talk — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Hi, I am trying to find out whether there are any outcome stats that would assist in the decision as to whether to commission an AF screening service or not. Also, as QOF is somewhat flawed in accepting antiplatelet treatment for AF, can investing in encouraging the use of GRASP-AF be... (Source: Networks Talk)

Care home standards still give cause for concern

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Despite improvements, some basic standards not being met; regulator warns it will get toughRelated items from OnMedicaElderly patients often receive undignified care 'Government targets intefere with war on superbugs'Government predicts 'end of waiting lists'Practices score more points under the quality and outcomes framework More leadership, less management (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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Don't slash and burn NHS, doctors plead

OnMedica Latest News — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Leave frontline services(and doctors)alone, says BMA in election manifestoRelated items from OnMedica'Ditch' private management consultants from the NHSTax rises may be needed to keep NHS spending healthySecond London chief executive resignsTeam announced to lead review of QOF indicatorsGPs look set to have new clinical indicators for QOF (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Cancer patients still face postcode lottery

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Overall improvements in survival mask widespread regional variations and late diagnosisRelated items from OnMedicaScotland reduces cancer waiting times but still misses target Cancer survival rates not improved much in a decade Five-year cancer plan will invest £1.5billionGP leader warns against 'political meddling' Government confirms NICE is to choose QOF indicators (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

NICE to bring spirometry guidance in line with QOF

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:07:00 +0100

NICE spirometry recommendations for COPD are set to be brought into line with those included in the QOF, a draft updated guideline reveals. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

A comparison of chronic illness care quality in US and UK family medicine practices prior to pay-for-performance initiatives

Family Practice — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:37:22 +0100

Conclusions. Following National Health Service (NHS) investment in primary care preparedness, but prior to the QOF, UK practices provided more standardized care but did not achieve better intermediate outcomes than a sample of typical US practices. US policymakers should focus on reducing variation in care documentation to ensure the effectiveness of P4P efforts while the NHS should focus on moving from process documentation to better patient outcomes. (Source: Family Practice)

GPs offered bonuses for hitting swine flu vaccination targets

Management in Practice — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:39:57 +0100

QOF will be relaxed for practices that vaccinate DH target of 50% of at-risk patients under 65, NHS Heart of Birmingham has told Pulse (Source: Management in Practice)

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'Radical action' to reshape QOF needed to tackle health inequalities, experts warned

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:55:00 +0100

The QOF has only had minor benefits for reducing health inequalities, and has failed to justify the money spent on it, a major new review concludes. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Target fears over QOF pay IT system expansion

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:20:00 +0100

GPs fear plans to broaden the remit of the IT system that calculates QOF pay will fuel the rise of a 'target-driven culture' in general practice. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Going upstream: the implication and opportunities of early detection

Journal of Renal Care — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, harmful and treatable but has, until recently not been recognised in its early stages. The British National Health Service (NHS) provides a unique opportunity to study CKD because it is in effect a closed-managed care system. This single healthcare system for the United Kingdom is funded by the Government and paid for by general taxation. All UK citizens are registered with primary care physicians who control access to secondary care services. As a managed care system it should be able to offer integrated care across the whole patient pathway[mdash]allowing early identification of CKD, interventions to reduce risk and prompt management of complications. In reality, there are professional, organisational and institutional barriers to coordination and ...

Statin prescribing in Northern Ireland and England pre and post introduction of the quality and outcomes framework

Pharmacy World & Science — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:32:10 +0100

Conclusion Strategies should be considered to educate prescribers on cost-effectiveness by increasing their awareness of the negative budgetary impact resulting from early adoption of new and expensive statins and by encouraging generic prescribing. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11096-009-9339-3Authors Ibrahim Alabbadi, University of Jordan Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy Amman JordanGrainne Crealey, The Royal Hospitals Clinical Research Support Centre, Education and Research Centre Grosvenor Road Belfast BT12 6BA UKKathryn Turner, Professional Pharmacy Services, Central Services Agency 2 Franklin Street Belfast BT2 8DQ UKTherese Rafferty, Central Services Agency 2 Franklin Street Belfast BT2 8DQ UKLynn Keenan...

Quality and outcomes framework exception reporting

PCCAS: Full newsfeed — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:26:34 +0100

The NHS Information Centre has published 'Quality and... (Source: PCCAS: Full newsfeed)

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Alchohol and cigarettes more dangerous than some illegal drugs

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Government's chief drug advisor attacks artificial separation of 'legal' from 'illegal' drugsRelated items from OnMedicaTeenagers turning away from drink, drugs and cigarettesPublic health vouchers could improve patient health Public consulted on youth drinking QOF helps to close health inequalities gapLib Dems promise tax breaks for healthy lifestyles (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Alcohol and cigarettes more dangerous than some illegal drugs

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Chief drug advisor attacks separation of 'legal' from 'illegal' drugsRelated items from OnMedicaTeenagers turning away from drink, drugs and cigarettesPublic health vouchers could improve patient health Public consulted on youth drinking QOF helps to close health inequalities gapLib Dems promise tax breaks for healthy lifestyles (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

What has QoF ever done for diabetes?

Practical Diabetes International — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Practical Diabetes International)

DH seeks views on replacement for QMAS

EHI Primary Care — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:15:00 +0100

The Department of Health is considering replacing the Quality, Management and Analysis System used for calculating Quality and Outcomes Framework payments. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

DH consultation for replacement of QMAS

NeLM - News — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Source: E-Health Insider Area: News The Department of Health (DH) and NHS Connecting for Health are considering replacing the Quality, Management and Analysis System (QMAS) used for calculating Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) payments with a more flexible calculating and reporting system that will extend the payment system beyond QoF. The new system will be expected to collect information on the following: . national QOF . Quality indicators recommended by NICE that are not negotiated into the national QOF . Most Directed Enhanced Services (DESs) . Local Enhanced Services (LESs) that work in the same way as the other payments that are supported by the new system. Both bodies have launched a consultation to collect stakeholders' views includin...

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Charity campaigns for QOF to include prostate enlargement

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:10:00 +0100

Charity Prostate UK has given evidence to NICE suggesting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is included in the quality framework (QOF). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Caution urged on post vaccination paracetamol

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Researchers show that prophylaxis can reduce child repsonse to some of the vaccine antigensRelated items from OnMedicaSwine flu rate doubled last week, according to new figuresGPs blocking patient choice, claims ministerPolyclinics 'threat' to treating mental illnessWarning on antivirals for children with seasonal fluNICE sets out its first QOF menu (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Referral patterns to renal services: what has changed in the past 4 years?

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:26:23 +0100

Conclusion. Referral patterns have changed between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2008. The main findings were an increase in referral rate and in the age at referral without a significant change in reported comorbidity of the people referred. The main increase in referral rates was seen in more advanced CKD suggesting more targeted referral of patients with CKD to renal services. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

GP rating system misleading, say doctors

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

BMA warns highest users least likely to leave feedbackRelated items from OnMedicaDebate launched on improving GP services GP leader warns against 'political meddling' Watchdogs say health reforms are slowGovernment confirms NICE is to choose QOF indicatorsGPs urged to focus on patient experience (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Tories plan to 'unpick' QOF

Pulse — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:28:00 +0100

The Conservatives have vowed to ‘unpick’ the QOF and replace it with a new version heavily focused on clinical outcomes and public health, if they win the General Election. (Source: Pulse)

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GPC issues defence as QOF scores dip

Pulse — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:47:00 +0100

GP leaders have been forced to defend practice performance, as national QOF scores showed an overall dip, largely due to a drop in patient satisfaction scores. (Source: Pulse)

Nurses work harder as QOF scores rise in most domains

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:05:00 +0100

This year's QOF achievements show that nurses in general practice are working harder than ever to deliver better outcomes for their employers. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Pilot QOF indicators launched this week

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:18:00 +0100

Video - Practices across England have this week begun piloting the first set of new clinical indicators for the quality framework for 2011. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Northern Ireland GPs continue to receive high QOF scores

Management in Practice — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:55:13 +0100

NI practices achieve 97% of maximum QOF scores – but GP leaders repeat call that many practices have been penalised unfairly (Source: Management in Practice)

Professor Helen Lester on the launch of pilot QOF indicators

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:59:00 +0100

Podcast - Sanjay Tanday interviews Professor Helen Lester on the piloting of the first set of new clinical indicators for the quality framework for 2011. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

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NHS Information Centre bulletin on Quality and Outcomes Framework 2008/09

NeLM - News — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Information Centre Area: News Information on the Quality and Outcomes Framework 2008/09 is available in a bulletin from the NHS Information Centre. Information was derived from the Quality Management Analysis System, a national system developed by NHS Connecting for Health, which uses data from general practices to calculate individual practices' QOF achievement. (Source: NeLM - News)

Which practices are high antibiotic prescribers? A cross-sectional analysis.

The British Journal of General Practice — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Practice and practice population characteristics explained about one-sixth of the variation in antibiotic prescribing nationally. Consultation-level and qualitative studies are needed to help further explain these findings and improve our understanding of this variation. PMID: 19843411 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)

GPs increase QOF depression scores despite rise in prevalence

Management in Practice — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:51:38 +0100

Depression is the most difficult condition for which GPs in England can score points under the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) (Source: Management in Practice)

QoF income falls trigger survey row

EHI Primary Care — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:05 +0100

GP practices' achievement on the Quality and Outcomes Framework fell across the UK in the last financial year, costing the average practice in England about £1,800. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

GPC chairman praises QOF performance

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:39:00 +0100

GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman has praised GPs for continuing to deliver excellent patient care, but warns that the latest QOF scores could be misinterpreted by patients as a drop in quality. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

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Average GP practice to lose £1,800 in QOF funding

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:22:00 +0100

The average GP practice in England will lose £1,800 in QOF funding because of the changes to the patient survey. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

GPs improve depression QOF scores, despite rise in prevalence

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:18:00 +0100

Practices across the UK have achieved higher QOF scores for the depression indicators for 2008/9 compared with last year, despite an increase in the prevalence of the condition. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

UK QOF scores hit by poor patient survey uptake

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:04:00 +0100

QOF scores across the UK have fallen for 2008/9, as practices struggle to score points on the patient experience domains. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

QOF scores slump as patient survey results hit GP income

Pulse — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0100

GP performance under QOF has fallen as the results of the patient experience survey hit practice income, figures released by the NHS Information Centre revealed today. (Source: Pulse)

GMC issues confidentiality guidance

EHI Primary Care — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:05 +0100

Fresh guidance on confidentiality has been published by the General Medical Council, with advice on topics including sharing confidential genetic information and disclosing identifiable patient data for Quality and Outcomes Framework checks. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

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New QOF targets shelved to free up GPs

Pulse — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

The introduction of new, NICE-led QOF indicators has been shelved to allow GP practices to focus all of their efforts on dealing with swine flu. (Source: Pulse)

QOF thresholds need to rise, CQC says

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

QOF thresholds for cardiovascular indicators should be increased to help tackle health inequalities, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Equity in the distribution of community pharmacies in England: impact of regulatory reform

Journal of Health Services Research and Policy — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Deregulation was associated with more community pharmacies per capita and a small increase in geographic equity of community pharmacy distribution at PCT level. Future research should continue to monitor how pharmacy distribution changes over time and assess the extent to which the new regulatory framework has allowed clustering of pharmacies which could result in increased inequity below PCT level. (Source: Journal of Health Services Research and Policy)

QoF frozen as part of swine flu deal

EHI Primary Care — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:45:00 +0100

No changes will be made to the Quality and Outcomes Framework next year and some indicators will be dropped in 2011-12 under a deal agreed by the British Medical Association and NHS Employers on the swine flu vaccination programme. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

NICE publishes new indicators for possible future inclusion in QOF

NeLM - News — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News NICE has issued a press release detailing several proposed new Primary Care Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) Indicators, covering smoking, type 2 diabetes, palliative care, asthma and mental health. Please see the link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

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QOF revamp runs into difficulty

Pulse — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:57:00 +0100

NICE’s controversial vision of the future QOF, which would sees GPs for the first time being paid based on medication they do not prescribe, has already run into problems. (Source: Pulse)

NICE puts lifestyle at core of new QOF

Pulse — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:04:00 +0100

NICE has placed primary prevention at the heart of its plans for a radical overhaul of the QOF, with proposals for GPs to be paid for promoting exercise and healthy eating. (Source: Pulse)

QOF review committee criticised over choice of indicators

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:30:00 +0100

NICE's QOF review committee is facing criticism for proposing indicators with too little evidence of effectiveness, while rejecting others well supported by evidence. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

GP and MP-to-be condemns QOF and new GMS contract

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:30:00 +0100

The Devon GP and potential next Conservative MP for Totnes has condemned both QOF and the new GMS contract as 'wasted opportunities' in an exclusive GP interview. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

QOF indicator thresholds 'could rise 16%'

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:25:00 +0100

Top thresholds for all QOF indicators could be raised by up to 16% under plans set out by NICE. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

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Pay for perfomance and the quality of diabetes management in individuals with and without co-morbid medical conditions

JRSM — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Diabetes patients with co-morbid conditions appear to have benefited more from this pay-for-performance program than those without co-morbidity. (Source: JRSM)

Pay for perfomance and the quality of diabetes management in individuals with and without co-morbid medical conditions.

J R Soc Med AND (has... — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes patients with co-morbid conditions appear to have benefited more from this pay-for-performance program than those without co-morbidity. PMID: 19734534 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J R Soc Med AND (has...)

The UK Model for System Redesign and Chronic Kidney Disease Services

Seminars in Nephrology — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Summary: The British National Health Service is a closed managed care system. This single health care system for the United Kingdom is funded by the government and paid for by general taxation. All UK citizens are registered with primary care physicians who control access to secondary care services. As a managed care system it should be able to offer integrated care across the whole patient pathway. In reality there are professional, organizational, and institutional barriers to coordination and delivery of care in the NHS. Historically, the United Kingdom has been among the lowest health care spenders of organizations for economic cooperation in developed countries, in absolute terms as well as proportion of the gross domestic product. However, since a Government pledge to place quality a...

Nine QOF indicators face the axe

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Nine indicators worth 46 points could be axed from the 2010/11 QOF and replaced by new targets for diabetes, epilepsy and Down's syndrome, under plans set out by NICE. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Charities split on indicator proposals

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Epilepsy and Down's syndrome charities have welcomed new proposed indicators for QOF, but Diabetes UK has raised concerns about the proposed changes. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

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GPs 'need to prove QOF improves outcomes'

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Proposed changes to QOF will put pressure on GPs to prove that the framework is effective at improving patient outcomes, an editorial in this week's Lancet argued. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

GPs 'need to prove QOF improves outcomes'

Healthcare Republic News — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Proposed changes to QOF will put pressure on GPs to prove that the framework is effective at improving patient outcomes, an editorial in this week's Lancet argued. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

[Editorial] NICE set to revise Quality and Outcomes Framework indicators

LANCET — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

On Aug 10, the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published its first menu of new indicators for the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). The QOF, a voluntary pay-for-performance scheme designed to reward UK general medical practices for provision of high-quality care, started in April, 2004. Incentives are paid on achievement of points for clinical indicators, practice organisation, and patient experience, and are devised to challenge practices to improve. (Source: LANCET)

NICE suggests axing nine indicators from 2010

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

QOF change 46 points up for grabs as talks start on altering diabetes, stroke and hypothyroidism pay. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

NICE Publishes First Menu Of Potential New Indicators For The 2010/11 QOF

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:00 +0100

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published the first menu of potential indicators for the 2010/11 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) together with recommendations on indicators to be considered for retirement. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Asthma, COPD and obesity indicators rejected by NICE

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Indicators for asthma, COPD and obesity were considered and rejected by NICE as part of its recommendations for the 2010/11 QOF. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Asthma, COPD and obesity indicators rejected by NICE

Healthcare Republic News — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Indicators for asthma, COPD and obesity were considered and rejected by NICE as part of its recommendations for the 2010/11 QOF. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

Age cap introduced for QOF cardiovascular risk assessments

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:45:00 +0100

Exclusive: GPs do not have to carry out a full cardiovascular risk assessment in elderly hypertensive patients, under a surprise change made to the QOF this month. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Age cap introduced for QOF cardiovascular risk assessments

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:45:00 +0100

GPs do not have to carry out a full cardiovascular risk assessment in elderly hypertensive patients, under a surprise change made to the QOF this month. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

NICE to reduce 'double-counting' with removal of QOF indicators

Pulse — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:22:00 +0100

NICE has released controversial plans to retire a series of QOF indicators to avoid ‘double-counting’ and remove payments for areas of care it considers to be embedded into practice. (Source: Pulse)

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Process measures face QoF chop

EHI Primary Care — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:15:00 +0100

Four potential new indicators for inclusion in next year's Quality and Outcomes Framework together with five indicators that could be removed from the QoF have been published. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

GPs urged to refer 'red flags' faster

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Coughing up blood, rectal bleeding and blood in urine should prompt speedy acitonRelated items from OnMedicaGPs blocking patient choice, claims ministerPolyclinics 'threat' to treating mental illnessWarning on antivirals for children with seasonal fluNICE sets out its first QOF menuVaccination better than antivirals in beating flu (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Scrapping indicators 'risks undermining QOF'

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Retiring process indicators from QOF risks undermining the whole framework, GPC deputy chairman Dr Richard Vautrey has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Scrapping indicators 'risks undermining QOF'

Healthcare Republic News — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Retiring process indicators from QOF risks undermining the whole framework, GPC deputy chairman Dr Richard Vautrey has warned. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

GPC warning over plans to retire QOF indicators

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:11:00 +0100

GP leaders have warned that plans to retire as many as five QOF indicators risk 'undermining' patient care. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

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GPC warning over plans to retire QOF indicators

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:11:00 +0100

GP leaders have warned that plans to retire as many as five QOF indicators risk 'undermining' patient care. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Paper round: Tuesday

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Don't give Tamiflu to children, hospital scorecards, and moreRelated items from OnMedicaVaccination better than antivirals in beating fluNICE sets out its first QOF menuOnMedica Interview: Dean MarshallTories plan major NHS IT shake-upWarning on antivirals for children with seasonal flu (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Potential new QOF indicators revealed

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:48:00 +0100

New indicators for diabetes, epilepsy and Down's syndrome that could be included in the 2010/11 QOF have been announced by NICE along with those suggested for retirement from the framework. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Potential new QOF indicators revealed

Healthcare Republic News — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:48:00 +0100

GPs face tougher diabetes targets under NICE's new QOF indicators

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:01:00 +0100

GPs could face even tougher blood pressure targets in patients with diabetes if a package of new QOF indicators is included in the 2010/11 GP contract. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

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GPs face tougher diabetes targets under new NICE QOF indicators

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:01:00 +0100

GPs could face even tougher blood pressure targets in patients with diabetes if a package of new QOF indicators is included in the 2010/11 GP contract. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Warning on antiviral use in child flu

OnMedica Latest News — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

No effect on mitigating co-morbidities and raise risk of vomitingRelated items from OnMedicaGPs blocking patient choice, claims ministerPolyclinics 'threat' to treating mental illnessNICE sets out its first QOF menuAntivirals not best to beat seasonal fluGPs to spearhead swine flu mass vaccination (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

NICE sets out its first QOF menu

OnMedica Latest News — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

New indictors for epilepsy and learning difficulties and suggestions for some measures to be removedRelated items from OnMedicaGPs blocking patient choice, claims ministerPolyclinics 'threat' to treating mental illnessWarning on antiviral use in child fluAntivirals not best to beat seasonal fluGPs to spearhead swine flu mass vaccination (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Quality and outcomes framework: GP incentives harm care quality

HSJ — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The quality of care provided by GPs has decreased for some conditions where they do not receive performance related pay, a study has found. (Source: HSJ)

New QOF indicators to be announced this month

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

NICE will publish the first set of potential new indicators for the 2010/11 QOF this month, it has been announced. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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New QOF indicators to be announced this month

Healthcare Republic News — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

NICE will publish the first set of potential new indicators for the 2010/11 QOF this month, it has been announced. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

QoF 'fails to promote access'

EHI Primary Care — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:48:46 +0100

The Quality and Outcomes Framework has failed to promote improved access or continuity in general practice, according to a new study. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

Should the QOF focus on outcome targets?

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

A QOF based on process measures has taken general practice as far as it can - it's time to reward GPs for achieving improved outcomes, says Professor Azeem Majeed. But Professor Richard Lilford argues health outcomes may be what matter to... (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

Factors predicting team climate, and its relationship with quality of care in general practice

BMC Health Services Research — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The absence of a relationship between a measure of team climate and quality of care in this exploratory study may be due to a number of methodological problems. Further research is required to explore how to best measure team functioning and its relationship with quality of care. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

Quality down for non-QoF care

EHI Primary Care — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100

The Quality and Outcomes Framework has led to a reduction in the quality of care for activities not included in the QoF and had a negative impact on continuity of care, according to a new study. (Source: EHI Primary Care)

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Video - Swine flu and QOF suspension update

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:15:00 +0100

Analysis of this week's latest news on swine flu from GP newspaper presented to you by the GP editorial team. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

DoH stalls over suspension of QOF

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Exclusive - GPs call for immediate halt to QOF work in hotspots as flu helpline opens. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

Exclusive: DoH stalls over QOF suspension

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The DoH is stalling on suspending the QOF despite renewed calls from GPs to ease their workload, as the surge in swine flu cases continues. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Exclusive: DoH stalls over QOF suspension

Healthcare Republic News — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The DoH is stalling on suspending the QOF despite renewed calls from GPs to ease their workload, as the surge in swine flu cases continues. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

QOF has 'reduced continuity of care'

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:37:00 +0100

The QOF has widened the gap in quality between incentivised and non-incentivised conditions and had a detrimental impact on continuity of care, a new analysis has found. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

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MPs to investigate GP commissioning

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Commissioning to be scrutinised by parliamentary inquiryRelated items from OnMedicaDoctors criticise delay to premises investmentGP leader warns against 'political meddling' 'Ditch' private management consultants from the NHSNHS faces 'most severe financial challenge' everGovernment confirms NICE is to choose QOF indicators (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Call for patients to pay £20 for a GP consultation

OnMedica Latest News — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Report proposes £20 GP fee to help NHS finances surviveRelated items from OnMedicaExtended hours squeezing small GP practice financesTeam announced to lead review of QOF indicatorsNHS faces 'most severe financial challenge' ever'Ditch' private management consultants from the NHSIndependent sector overpaid by £927 million (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

MPs want prevention in QOF

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Prevention should be reflected in the QOF and there should be a greater emphasis on self care, according to the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Primary Care and Public Health. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

MPs want prevention in QOF

Healthcare Republic News — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

NHS managers urge suspension of targets as swine flu calls rocket

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:28:00 +0100

NHS managers have put more pressure on the Government to look at suspending NHS targets - such as the Quality and Outcomes Framework - after figures show calls to GPs about the swine flu outbreak have risen by 50%. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

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Tough spirometry targets in QOF would improve care

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Requirements for GPs to conduct spirometry in line with British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines should be included in QOF, public health researchers have urged. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

Letters: There is no plot for PCOs to usher in 'floating QOF'

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The NHS Confederation believes your articles 'Managers plot GP contract overhaul' and 'QOF income to be targeted by PCOs' (GP, 19 June) misrepresent our position on both the GP contract and the future of primary care more widely. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

QOF data renews call for obesity points

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The QOF needs to include points for vascular screening of obese patients if prevalence recording is to improve, according to an obesity expert. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

Swine flu QoF negotiations ongoing

EHI Primary Care — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:03:07 +0100

Agreement to suspend the Quality and Outcomes Framework because of the impact of swine flu cases looks likely to be left to individual primary care organisations (PCOs). (Source: EHI Primary Care)

GP leaders in new bid to suspend QOF in swine flu hotspots

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:10:00 +0100

BMA leaders were today locked in urgent talks with the Government in a bid to get the QOF suspended in areas where GPs are being swamped with extra work because of the swine flu crisis. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

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The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework pay-for-performance scheme and spirometry: rewarding quality or just quantity? A cross-sectional study in Rotherham, UK.

BioMed Central — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework currently assesses the quantity, but not the quality of spirometry. (Source: BioMed Central)

UK countries to take separate decisions on QOF suspension, but local flexibility unclear

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:38:00 +0100

The quality framework (QOF) can be suspended in individual countries rather than on a UK-wide basis, the DoH has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

UK countries to take separate decisions on QOF suspension, but local flexibility unclear

Healthcare Republic News — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:38:00 +0100

The quality framework (QOF) can be suspended in individual countries rather than on a UK-wide basis, the DoH has said. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

Swine flu: QOF suspension 'imminent'

HealthcareRepublic GP News — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

GPs appeal for QOF to be suspended as workload soars in worst-hit areas. (Source: HealthcareRepublic GP News)

Swine flu 'not severe enough' to suspend QOF

Pulse Today Clinical Updates — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0100

The Department of Health has changed the rules set out in its own pandemic plans so it no longer needs to suspend the QOF in areas hit hardest by swine flu, Pulse can reveal. (Source: Pulse Today Clinical Updates)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Swine flu 'not severe enough' to suspend QOF

Pulse — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0100

The Department of Health has changed the rules set out in its own pandemic plans so it no longer needs to suspend the QOF in areas hit hardest by swine flu, Pulse can reveal. (Source: Pulse)

Performance-based indicator may miss diabetes patients with suboptimal care

MedWire News - Diabetes — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The UK quality and outcomes framework has increased the number of people with Type 2 diabetes with glycated hemoglobin levels of less than or equal to 7.5%, but failed to reduce the number with HbA1c levels greater than 10%, report researchers in the British Medical Journal. (Source: MedWire News - Diabetes)

Hypertension targets: improving control and concordance

Prescriber — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The benefits of antihypertensive treatment are well established and the Quality and Outcomes Framework provides rewards for effective control. Here, the author discusses the issues facing GPs trying to meet hypertension targets and when exception reporting may be appropriate. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Prescriber)

NICE publishes QOF indicator assessment detail

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Details of how NICE will assess QOF indicators have been published on the regulator's website. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)