BMJ  2007;335:1130-1131 (1 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39385.406192.AD

Analysis

Measuring quality through performance

Future of quality measurement

National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, Manchester M13 9PL

General practitioners have responded well to current UK performance targets. Helen Lester and Martin Roland examine the options for keeping up the progress

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

In the past decade there has been sustained international interest in measuring quality of care. In the United Kingdom, quality indicators with financial incentives to reward good care were introduced as a result of increasing awareness of variable quality in primary care, the technical feasibility of introducing evidence based indicators within information technology systems, and a resolve by political negotiators to use improved quality to secure additional investment in primary care.¹ Similar but less comprehensive initiatives have been introduced in the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. However, as this series has shown, the use of quality measures has also created controversy. Our view is that using incentives to improve quality of care has been beneficial. We look at what needs to be done to ensure those benefits remain in the future.

Options for developing quality measures

The quality and outcomes framework, which forms the basis of quality measurement in UK primary care, could . . . [Full text of this article]

Interpersonal aspects of care

Effect of measurement on health inequality

Learning from beyond medicine

Summary points

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• Maisey, S., Steel, N., Marsh, R., Gillam, S., Fleetcroft, R., Howe, A. (2008). Effects of payment for performance in primary care: qualitative interview study. J Health Serv Res Policy 13: 133-139 [Abstract] [Full text]  

Rapid Responses:

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Is the argument financial, political or both?

Hendrik J Beerstecher
bmj.com, 2 Dec 2007 [Full text]