Quality and Outcomes framework (QOF)

What QOF is

The QOF contains groups of indicators, against which practices score points according to their level of achievement. QOF awards surgeries achievement points for (i) managing chronic diseases and addressing public health; (ii) providing services for cervical screening and contraception; (iii) surveying patient experience; and (iv) improving quality and productivity with regard to secondary care referrals.

The QOF gives an indication of the overall achievement of a practice through a points system. Practices aim to deliver high quality care across a range of areas, for which they score points.

The QOF includes the concept of exception reporting; this concept is such that whilst pursuing the quality improvement agenda, practices would not be penalised for patient characteristics that were beyond their reasonable control.

Published here is QOF achievement data and exception reporting statistics at general practice, GP Federation, LCG and Northern Ireland levels.