Independent review of GP quality indicators

The Health Foundation carried out an independent review into indicators on the quality of care offered by GP practices in England. The review, which involved key stakeholders, analysed the extensive work done in this area already, assessing whether a meaningful set of indicators has been developed and identifying the way forward to cover any gaps. The Health Foundation was asked by the Department of Health to carry out this review.

The intention was to assess if comparable indicators on the quality of primary care are sufficiently developed to be used to help practices improve quality. The review looked at whether such indicators would help patients and carers gauge the quality of care their GP practice provides.  

The review also considered whether credible indicators are available by specific population groups and the services available to them. These groups included people over 70, people with long-term conditions, people with mental health conditions, mothers and children and people who are ‘generally well’.

An online consultation seeking a wide range of views from across England including (but not restricted to) GPs, practice managers, general practice nurses, pharmacists, and representative organisations, as well as individuals, patient and carer groups and the Department of Health’s arm’s-length bodies, ran from 20 July to 24 August 2015. 

The report of the Health Foundation’s independent review was published on 12 October 2015.