31.10.16
GP quality framework shows obesity and depression growth
The quality and outcomes framework (QOF) for GPs this year shows an increase in the demand to treat obesity and depression.
The QOF is a voluntary incentive scheme which gives GP surgeries funding for the quality of care they provide their patients.
The NHS Digital report for 2015-16 said that, of 21 common health issues, the ones with the highest prevalence rates among patients were hypertension (7.9 million patients), obesity (4.3 million) and depression (3.8 million).
Furthermore, the condition with the biggest single growth was depression (a 470,000 increase in prevalence), followed by obesity (a 132,000 increase).
Practices were then scored for their success in treating these conditions, with a maximum score of 559.
This was achieved by 640 practices, an increase from 448 the previous year, and the average score was 533.
The highest achievements were for obesity and chronic kidney disease, where 99.9% of maximum points were achieved.
The lowest scored were osteoporosis for over 50s (87.5%), and cardiovascular disease prevention for 30-74 year olds (88.5%).
The score for depression was 92.2%, lower than the other four mental health and neurology conditions.
The GP Forward View has promised more funding to try to help GPs cope with increased pressures on primary care, including increasing numbers of patients with complex and long-term conditions.
Last year, the Royal College of GPs called for the QOF to be replaced with a new funding arrangement.
(Image c. Mark Lennihan from AP/ Press Association Images)
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