NI Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) Information 2015/16

The Department of Health today published the achievement figures from the NI Quality and Outcomes Framework 2015/16.

This is the twelfth year of operation of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), a system to remunerate general practices for providing good quality care to their patients and to help fund work to further improve the quality of health care delivered. It is a fundamental part of the General Medical Services (GMS) Contract, which was introduced on 1st April 2004.

The QOF measures achievement against a range of evidence-based indicators, with points and payments awarded according to the level of achievement. The framework has four main components:

• Clinical Indicators
• Public Health Indicators (including Additional Services)
• Patient Experience
• Records & Systems Indicators

Key Points

• the average total QOF achievement of practices was 539.05 (98.55%), from a maximum available QOF total of 547
• from the QOF indicators that measure the prevalence of a disease, the highest recorded prevalence was for Hypertension (13.32%) and the lowest was for Osteoporosis (0.21%)

Across the clinical domains, the average points achieved were:

• Clinical: 374.33 (98.51%)
• Public Health: 33.56 (95.89%)
• Public Health (Additional Services): 13.66 (97.55%)
• Patient Experience: 17.95 (99.71%)
• Records & Systems: 99.56 (99.56%)

The 347 practices received a total of £30.52million, with an average award of £87,950 per practice

Notes to editors: 

1. The QOF data tables and reports are published on the Department of Health website.

2. This is the twelfth year of operation of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). Results from previous years are available on the DoH website.

3. Despite being a voluntary arrangement, all practices in the north of Ireland have participated in the QOF since its introduction in April 2004.

4. For statistical or data queries, please contact Information & Analysis Directorate on 028 9052 0273.

5. For policy queries, please contact General Medical Services Branch, Primary Care Directorate on 028 9058 9644.

6. Media queries about this press release please contact the DoH Press Office on 028 9052 0567. For out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

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