LMCs call for more recognition of QoF

GP representatives at the BMA’s local medical committees conference have called on the government to place more recognition on the achievements of GPs in meeting Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) targets.

The LMC members overwhelmingly backed a motion calling for more government acknowledgement of the “high achievements” of GP practices in meeting the evidence-based targets set by the Department of Health.

Making the proposal, Dr Sheila McCormick representing Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LMC, said: “It is inconceivable that the government refuses to acknowledge the achievements GPs have performed in QoF points. GPs have done remarkably well in this area and as a result have kept the health bill low. This should be publicly acknowledged and should be highlighted as an improvement in the quality of care for patients.”

Dr Mary McCarthy from Shropshire LMC, added: “I think it’s important that the government acknowledges the tremendous progress UK GPs have achieved with QoF. I’m from the US originally and I can definitely say we are much better than the US at meeting these sorts of targets.”

The motion also called for the government to review its decision not to implement the findings from an expert review group, and condemned the government for putting greater priority on access targets rather than quality of care.

Dr McCormick added: “It is regrettable that the expert results group findings have not been imported into the QoF objectives. At the moment, some of the points system is not based on clinical parameters, but patient opinion, with 5% requiring patient to be happy with their surgery.

“To me, this is like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. The structure needs to change ensuring it helps to improve patient care and ensuring that QoF is not simply just a government policy.”

A further motion calling for the QoF payments mechanism to be adjusted to accurately reflect the workload of GPs was also overwhelmingly passed.