Policy archive
Quality Metrics
Quality Metrics are a means of measuring the quality and performance of services to patients using a range of indicators and measures.
Although we believe most rheumatological out patient practice does not fit into this scheme, from a general perspective, there are some important points we would like to raise:
We support standards such as those in the cancer section on Peer Review, National Audits and their analysis, and the use of specialist nurses.
We support the promotion of standards for our inpatients in relation to assessment and treatment of serious disease.
We are disappointed that none of the long term indicators are specifically relevant to rheumatology.
We agree that there should be patient experience and patient environment indicators. However, we feel there are far too many, which could have a negative effect on discharge policies if all patients had to complete these.
We support the development of Patient Related Outcome Measures (PROMS). We support timeliness of care indicators particularly in relation to Referral to Treatment (RTT).
Free prescriptions
Prescription charges for those with long term conditions are currently being reviewed. We believe that patients should be exempt from prescription charges for Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) and biologic agents.
Serious forms of arthritis typically affect an age group not covered by existing exemptions. These individuals are dependent on regular and often multiple medications to control the diseases and their frequent co-morbidities
The National Health Service Constitution
The NHS Constitution will establish the principles and values of the NHS in England. The draft consultation sets out commitments to patients, public and staff in the form of rights, pledges and responsibilities.
All NHS bodies, private and third sector providers supplying NHS services will be required by law to take account of the Constitution in their decisions and actions. The Constitution will be renewed every ten years.
NHS Constitution Key Points:
- The NHS provides a comprehensive service available to all
- Access to NHS services is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay
- The NHS aspires to high standards of excellence and professionalism
- NHS services must reflect the needs and preferences of patients, their families and their carers
- The NHS works across organizational boundaries and in partnership with other organizations in the interest of patients, local communities and the wider population
- The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers’ money and the most effective and fair use of finite resources
- The NHS is accountable to the public, communities and patients that it serves
Visit the Department of Health website for further information on the constitution.Integrated Care
BSR has been working with the NHS Alliance, and colleagues from other organisations, on integrated care. The NHS Alliance is a collaboration of clinicians, managers and board members. It is an independent body that represents NHS primary care.
The document “Integrated Healthcare: from aspiration to implementation” sets out a vision of integrated care, as well as responding to the NHS Next Stage Review. It compliments the work that is also being undertaken by the Royal College of Physicians with their “Teams without Walls” initative.
Visit the NHS Alliance website for a full copy of Integrated Healthcare