A key national conference to provide clarity, guidance and support on monitoring the QOF.

The monitoring of GP practices' achievement against their aspirations in the Quality and Outcome Framework by PCTs will start in October 2004 and will theoretically finish in February 2005.

At present there remains much confusion as to the purpose of the monitoring visits. On one hand is the formative, educational approach. On the other hand SHAs must ensure that PCTs undertake robust monitoring arrangements in a summative manner to ensure probity and value for money, ensuring the failures of the 1990 contract with regards to the abuses of health promotion and CDM payments, do not reoccur and more importantly, the health of the whole population improves. The 9 Strategic Tests introduced by the DoH , to be used by SHAs, to ensure that the greatest benefits are gained by the implementation of GMS2 by PCTs, include the use of the QOF.

PMS monitoring by PCTs has not been considered by many to have been wholly successful with variable inputs from PCTs and therefore little evidence of value for money and improvements over and above GMS. PCTs must learn from this historical situation and reconfigure to enable robust commissioning from each of its practices.

The eyes of the western world with primary care systems similar to the UK, are watching with interest to see if this system works. Therefore, what monitoring arrangements are required to ensure that it does?


This conference offers delegates:
> An opportunity to hear and meet the people who have developed the policy
and see how it should be implemented.
> Learning from other experiences in this field: A case study on the East Kent PCTs’ PRICCE
model (precursor to GMS QOF).
> Clear guidance on what monitoring should be about, expectations from the DoH, one of the 9
strategic tests, including issues such as access to medical records and confidentiality.
> A comprehensive description of high trust monitoring.
> An insight into how the QOF may develop in the future.
> An opportunity to discuss training issues that have arisen from the natPaCT roadshows.
> An overview of the learning outcomes from the natPaCT roadshows.
> An opportunity to discuss issues and concerns.
> Guidance on the role of the non exec/lay person.
> An opportunity to hear guidance on the role of the RCGPs in supporting practices and PCTs.
> Explanations on summative and formative assessment processes.
> Perspectives on what it is like to be monitored.
> Case studies on implementation from leading PCTs.
> Clarity around QMAS
> An opportunity to hear national policy leads explaining government/DoH intention and reasoning

Keynote speakers include:

Dr Philip Leech, Principle Medical Officer for Primary Care
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Dr Tony Snell, Co–author of the QOF, Executive Director responsible for QOF implementation and Medical Director
BIRMINGHAM AND BLACK COUNTRY SHA

Dr Alison Baker, Director of Professional Development and Quality
ROYAL COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITONERS

Practical case studies, examples and support from:

The PRICCE project (The pilot site for the QOF), including ‘What is it like to be monitored?’; Solihull PCT; Westminster PCT; NatPaCT and the NPfIT.

Health Care Conferences, Compton Business Centre, Compton Abdale, Nr Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4DL
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