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Under new proposals set out in a public consultation published today, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) would in future oversee the annual process of reviewing clinical indicators.

From April 2009, NICE would review the benefits to patients and the cost effectiveness of the indicators used to assess the quality of care provided by GP practices. NICE would be responsible for developing a more transparent and inclusive review process with input from patients and carers, primary care professionals and other stakeholders.

The final choice of QOF indicators would remain a matter for negotiation with the British Medical Association (BMA), based on the advice produced by NICE.

The 12-week consultation is seeking views on how the new process for assessing evidence for QOF indicators should work. The key elements that will be considered in the consultation will be how best to:

• review existing QOF indicators and develop new indicators for clinical quality and health outcomes, based on evidence of clinical effectiveness
  
• allow a range of stakeholders, including patients, carers and clinicians to identify potential QOF priorities
  
• set up a panel of independent experts that will prioritise areas for developing new indicators
  
• pilot new indicators with GP practices
  
• give flexibility to the local NHS to select some indicators to reflect local health needs.

Health minister, Ben Bradshaw said:

‘Asking NICE to manage a more independent, open and transparent process for reviewing QOF indicators will make sure that we make the best use of our annual investment in the scheme and continue to support GPs in delivering the best care possible for patients, allowing the QOF to adapt and respond to the latest medical advances.’

• Developing the Quality and Outcomes Framework: Proposals for a new, independent process