What does QOF mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) is a payment incentive framework for general practices in England. It was established by the Government and NHS England to reward primary care teams for achievement of certain agreed indicators of quality. These indicators are evidence-based standards of care that aim to improve patient safety and outcomes, as well as practice processes such as workforce development and staff training.

Performance under QOF is measured against a set of criteria called ‘Indicators’ which are mapped onto the patient record system. Practices are then rewarded financially with payments based on their score within each indicator, with payments increasing if more Indicators are met or exceeded.

The annual review takes place every financial year which runs from April 1st until March 31st, although updates may be applied during any part of this period should changes be necessary. During the review period, practices must undertake an audit of their care provision to ensure they continue to meet all applicable requirements and receive rewards accordingly.

The QOF indicators are set out by NHS England and Primary Care Commissioning in collaboration with experts in primary care backed up by robust international research evidence that demonstrate effectiveness in improving health outcomes for patients. The Indicators used within the scheme reflect best available evidence from peer reviewed literature, clinical trials and systematic reviews.

Some examples include diabetes management, preventive healthcare interventions such as vaccination programmes; cardiovascular disease risk management such as cholesterol measurements and lifestyle advice, cancer screening programmes; mental health assessment; smoking cessation advice; medication prescribing audits; elderly care assessments; asthma control tests etc.

Yes, there is a minimum number of points required for a practice to qualify for payments - this is known as ‘the threshold’ - and depends on how many GPs work at the practice. A practice must exceed this point total to receive its financial reward for delivery on these services each year under the scheme.

Each regional GP Practice Manager will have access to claim forms which need to be filled out accurately before submitting them according to specified deadlines which will typically relate to annual reviews or changes in agreed services and other requirements over time

Non-compliance may lead to reduced payments or even suspension from participating in the scheme however this could also change depending upon circumstances including changes over time in national regulations or legislation.