What is Practice Based Commissioning (PBC)?

PBC is about engaging practices and other primary care professionals in the commissioning of services. Through PBC, front line clinicians are being provided with the resources and support to become more involved in commissioning decisions.

Practice based commissioning will lead to high quality services for patients in local and convenient settings. GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals are in the prime position to translate patient needs into redesigned services that best deliver what local people want.

"If there is an alternative that is better for the patient and better for the NHS, then practice based commissioning provides the basis on which they can change the way that services are delivered."
Lord Warner, former Minister of State for Health.

What is Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF)?

The Quality & Outcomes Framework (QOF) is a system to remunerate general practices for providing good quality care to their patients, and to help fund work to further improve the quality of health care delivered. It is a fundamental part of the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract, introduced on 1st April 2004.

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is the annual reward and incentive programme detailing GP practice achievement results. It is now in its second year of operation. QOF is a voluntary process for all surgeries in England and was introduced as part of the GP contract in 2004. QOF awards surgeries achievement points for:

Managing some of the most common chronic diseases e.g. asthma, diabetes
How well the practice is organised
How patients view their experience at the surgery
The amount of extra services offered such as child health and maternity services