Quality and Outcome Framework in Carmarthenshire, south-west Wales

The Quality and Outcome Framework (QOF) is a financial incentive system for the provision of quality primary care medical services within general practice. It is measured using a points system of 1050 maximum. This paper provides an overview ofthe QOF process undertaken in 26 general medical practices in Carmarthenshire, south-west Wales. Using a consistent approach across clinical and non-clinical domains, the Carmarthenshire Local Health Board (LHB) QOF visiting team were able toidentify examples of good practice. Furthermore, the QOF points achieved by the practices suggest a quality primary care provision within Carmarthenshire. The QOF has been a learning process for all stakeholders involved in the process, and a formalevaluation of it within Carmarthenshire would now appear to be a sensible step forward.