CCA calls for closer working between GPs and pharmacy
GPs should meet with representatives from their “top five” pharmacies at least annually to agree three areas to improve patient care, says the Company Chemists’ Association.
The CCA is calling for this to be formalised as a new organisational
indicator in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) of the general
medical services contract. It has submitted evidence for the new indicator
to the QoF expert review panel, which will examine all proposals and
subsequently make recommendations that will be the subject of negotiation
between NHS employers and the British Medical Association.
Colin Baldwin, chief executive of the CCA, commented: “With the
introduction of new primary care contracts, closer joint working between
general practice and pharmacy is essential. If CCA’s submission
to the QoF review is successful, it will create incentives for general
practice to liaise proactively with pharmacy contractors. That will be
good for patient care and for primary care team development as well.”
The QoF is a voluntary system of financial incentives that rewards primary
care teams for providing good quality care to their patients. Payments
are linked to achievement of individual indicators
and standards and represent approximately 15–20 per cent of available
total practice
remuneration. |
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