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In this month’s issue, Dr Alan Begg discusses the QOF indicators related to primary prevention of CVD, and highlights the link between mental health disorders and increased cardiovascular risk. The importance of identifying this high-priority group of individuals for primary prevention is reflected in the changes to the 2011/12 QOF indicators and Dr Begg discusses both this and the different risk assessment tools that are recommended for use by primary care.

Common mental health disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, are thought to affect up to 15% of the population at any one time. Clinical Guideline 123, published by NICE in May 2011, aims to help GPs provide quick, cost-effective treatment to improve the lives of those individuals experiencing these disorders.¹ The guideline also provides advice to commissioners and managers on the development of local referral and care pathways.

A series of Guidelines in Practice Workshops on mental health across the new NHS are being run in June and September this year and key recommendations from this new NICE guideline will be discussed. These workshops are aimed at those individuals who are involved in commissioning and implementation of NICE guidance. For further details, visit eguidelines.co.uk/workshops.

Commissioners may also be interested in a new report from the The King’s Fund, published earlier this month. Transforming our health care system—ten priorities for commissioners has been written in light of the draft Health and Social Care Bill and the proposed introduction of commissioning consortia.² Key priority areas listed include active support for self-management, primary and secondary prevention, and improving the management of patients with mental and physical health needs.G

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

References

1. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Common mental health disorders: identification and pathways to care. London: NICE, 2011. guidance.nice.org.uk/CG123
2. Imison C, Naylor C, Goodwin N et al. Transforming our health care system—ten priorities for commissioners. London: The King's Fund, 2011.