QOF Plus Year 1 - Imperial College London

Training and supportrequirements for QOF+IntroductionFinancial incentives delivered in isolation are unlikely to lead to optimal quality improvement(Oxman et al., 1995). For this reason, it is proposed that a range of interventions will bedeveloped to support practices participating in QOF+ to improve the quality of care delivered totheir patients. These interventions include additional educational and training activities, audit,peer support and enhanced IT support. These interventions will incorporate both face-to-faceand e·learning components through a blended learning approach.A detailed practice training and support needs analysis is currently in progress and will be used toinform further development of the QOF+ training and support package.Training and support requirements for selected existing QOF indicatorsAnalysis of data on QOF achievement by individual practices suggests possible generaltraining/support needs (for most practices) in the areas of Mental Health and Cervical Screening.The data also highlight a small number of poorer performing practices which may need moreglobal (rather than specific) support. This support may need to be more administrative andmanagerial than clinical.Analysis of data from a preliminary training and support needs assessment of local primary carepractitioners (GPs, practice nurses and practice managers) shows that the majority of practiceswould value increased administrative support, including additional training for administrativestaff. A number of practices felt that additional clinical training and support for practice nurseswould be beneficial.Practices described a range of methods for delivery of training that they would find useful,including online modules, educational meetings and individual practice trainer visits. It isenvisaged that the QOF+ training and support package will incorporate all these mechanisms toencompass a wide range of learning styles and preferences.A number of practices highlighted the importance of tailoring training to individual practiceneeds. To this end, it is proposed that those practices signing up to QOF+ will receive anadditional training bursary which will allow them to determine how best their training needs maybe met.One practice felt that it would be useful if the PCT hosted regular QOF+ meetings for practices tofacilitate sharing of ideas between practices. If other practices also feel this would be helpful,then this idea will be developed further.91