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On 1 April 2009, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) started its new role overseeing the annual process of reviewing the clinical indicators included in the quality and outcomes framework (QOF). This followed a 13-week Department-of-Health consultation, which obtained views from clinicians, patient organisations, NHS commissioners, and the public.¹

In this additional role, NICE will use its experience in providing independent clinical advice to review both the cost effectiveness of the indicators and the benefits to patients. It will also ensure that the process is more transparent and objective, and will allow input from patients and carers, primary care professionals, and other stakeholders.

To ensure that all interested parties will be able to contribute to the development of indicators, there will be an area on the NICE website where ideas for priority topics can be submitted. An independent Primary Care Quality and Outcomes Framework Indicator Advisory Committee is also being created by NICE as a key part of the process. The membership of this committee, which will be announced later this year, will include a range of representatives from primary care, including GPs, patients and carers, commissioners, and practice and community nurses.

Although NICE will play a key role in developing the indicators through the provision of recommendations, the final selection of QOF indicators will remain a matter for negotiation between the British Medical Association and NHS Employers.

As highlighted in last month’s issue, the latest changes to the GMS contract came into force on 1 April. The updated clinical indicator tables for 2009/10 can be accessed here. In addition, the article series on the changes to the QOF will begin in the June issue of Guidelines in Practice with Dr Alan Begg focusing on the changes to the heart-failure indicators.

Julia Morris, Editor
julia.morris@mgp.ltd.ukG

References

1. Department of Health. Developing the quality and outcomes framework: proposals for a new, independent process; consultation response and analysis. London: DH, 2009. Available at: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Responsestoconsultations/DH_096423

Announcement

The Guidelines in Practice editorial team is delighted to announce the appointment of Omar Ali to the editorial board. Omar is the Formulary Development Pharmacist for Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust, and his input, particularly with regard to pharmacist-focused content, will be invaluable. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the editorial board members for their continued help and support.