Department of Health

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Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).

Guidance about the QOF annual review process, QMAS and other aspects of the new primary care contracting arrangements relating to information management and technology.

Developing the Quality and Outcomes Framework: Proposals for a new, independent process

Published: 30/10/2008

A new strategy for the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) was announced as part of the NHS Next Stage Review, including an independent and transparent process for developing and reviewing indicators. The Department has published a consultation document on how the process, to be led by NICE, should work, exploring views on the scope for flexibility for PCTs to set some indicators locally. SHA and PCT CEs will wish to familiarise themselves with the proposals and comment by 2 February 2009.

Proposed changes to the quality and outcomes framework for the financial year 2008/09

The Department has written to all General Practices to inform them of proposed changes to the Quality and Outcomes Framework which will apply from 1st April 2008. The Department will make and publish the changes to the SFE, once they have been agreed, as soon as possible.

QOF guidance

The original version of the QOF guidance and evidence base, which was published with the contract agreement in 2003, has been revised by the NHS Confederation and the BMA.

Quality Management and Analysis System (QMAS)

Quality Management and Analysis System (QMAS) is a new national system for England that has been developed to support the quality and outcomes framework (QOF) detailed in the GMS Contract.

ScHARR advice

The School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at Sheffield University were commissioned by the Department of Health to provide independent advice on the annual review process for the new Quality and Outcomes Framework which is part of the new GMS contract. This advice will form the basis of guidance for PCTs on the annual review process, though the two will not be identical. We expect the Department of Health's guidance to PCTs to be agreed with the NHS Confederation and GPC and published here in the next couple of weeks.

IM&T

Guidance about aspects of the new primary care contracting arrangements relating to information management and technology.

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