16 new indicators in QOF menu

NICE has proposed 16 new indicators for inclusion in the 2013/14 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a new clinical area.

The recommendations include four for RA, two for men with diabetes, plus indicators for COPD rehabilitation and hypertension.

Dr Gillian Leng, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health and Social Care at NICE, said the potential indicators “can make a real difference” to improve standards of care.

QOF is a voluntary incentive scheme that rewards GPs for implementing systematic improvements in care for patients. It operates through a points system which rewards doctors for their performance against the indicators.

Indicators for RA include GP practices creating a register of patients aged over 16, and patients being assessed for cardiovascular risk and fracture risk.

In men with diabetes, indicators focus on offering advice on erectile dysfunction and on available treatment options.

The final ‘menu’ of indicators will be decided by NHS Employers and the British Medical Association later this year.