DH plans updated diabetes indicator

A single diabetes indicator will be created for the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) by the DH after an investigation found only half of patients received the nine existing separate checks.

Findings from the National Diabetes Audit for 2010/11 suggest that suspected diabetes patients are not being thoroughly checked for the condition by GPs.

Sir Bruce Keogh (pictured), NHS Medical Director, has written to NICE asking it to replace the current QOF indicators with a “composite indicator measuring the proportion of patients who received all nine of the processes”.

In the letter, Sir Bruce also called for the Institute to review the range of “target measurements and associated payment thresholds”.

“We hope to work together (with NICE) and with the BMA and other stakeholders to improve the QOF and support ongoing improvements in quality and outcomes for patients,” said a DH spokesperson.

The new indicator – which would be worth more than £5,000 – could be included in the 2015 framework.

The General Practitioners Committee (GPC) filed a complaint over the data used in the audit. The DH has now launched an investigation into the complaint with the outcome expected in September.