Initial Response
The National Health Service is the organization responsible for the realization of the program of continuous quality improvement in the United Kingdom. Several key issues regarding the problem can be determined nowadays. In particular, the NHS has undertaken financial reform, which influences the realization of its programs. “Key elements of the delivery structure today include an emphasis on local decision-making” (SteelFisher, 2005, p.2). Besides, the NHS intends to implement the changes in regulatory standards. It also makes efforts to improve the evaluation methods of healthcare services quality. The enhancement of the system of data monitoring is one of the key issues on the organization’s agenda. Furthermore, the NHS recognizes the necessity of improvement of the support of primary care physicians and makes efforts in this direction.
The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is an important initiative undertaken in the United Kingdom with the purpose of the improvement of healthcare services in the country. It is based on the scoring system. However, the framework has its strengths and weaknesses. The initiative allowed creating an effective framework for the assessment of the healthcare system. Besides, it contributed to the cost-efficiency of the continuous quality improvement program. The motivation of the hospital personnel is one more advantage of QOF. At the same time, some scholars argue that the framework is not very effective in prevention methods.
Response Posts
To Ellen Ferguson
Hi, Ellen,
Very good post! I think that you have uncovered all the problems without information overload. I agree with you that the QOF indicators still need improvement, though they are really helpful for the healthcare system in the United Kingdom. Besides, you have mentioned that the transparency and independence of the indicators reviewing process require improvements. Alike you I hold the opinion that the monitoring process is not perfect nowadays. The transparency and objectivity of the QOF are the characteristics of its quality. Essentially, they are the keys to the efficiency of any project. The NHS recognizes this fact and makes efforts to improve these characteristics.
To Howard Patterson
Hello, Howard,
Very interesting opinion! As I see you have touched upon the important aspect of the National Health Care Strategy. I guess you have tried to focus our attention on the economic background of the health care problems. I also emphasize this aspect in my post. The economic downturn influences the direction of the NHS work. It should be noted that “the NHS accounts for 88 percent of health expenditures” (SteelFisher, 2005, p.2). This means that the economic distress puts pressure on the ability of the organization to fund its projects and the QOF, in particular. The funding should satisfy all the financial needs of health care institutions. The significant cut in spending will restrain the opportunities of hospitals to improve the quality of their services and to implement effective measures for the prevention of diseases. Also, the decrease in funding will affect all six dimensions, through which quality is expressed. Undoubtedly, such dimensions as effectiveness and efficiency will be affected the most. Overall, I should admit that we have very similar opinions. It will be great if you read my post and respond to it. It is interesting for me to know your view on my answers.
Reference
SteelFisher, G.K. (2005). International innovations in health care: quality improvements in the United Kingdom. Web.