December 6th 2006 at MMU Room E34, John Dalton Building (opp BBC), 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Note the change from the usual room

Joint meeting with the RSS Primary Health Care Study Group

Measuring and improving the quality of care in primary health care

In recent years there has been increasing attention given to statistical aspects of performance monitoring in medical contexts. In this talk, I will discuss some specific methodology that has been devised, with a particular focus on longitudinal monitoring of performance. The adaptation of methods used in other contexts to incorporate risk adjustment will be emphasized. An attempt will be made to highlight methodological issues of general relevance.

Vern's talk

Quantitative methods are increasingly being used to assess and compare clinical care amongst primary care providers. Assessment usually involves collecting data against a range of clinical indicators. Different studies have applied different methods for combining across indicators to produce an overall "composite" quality score for each provider. This paper applies some of the more common methods to two quality indicator datasets to assess how far the conclusions made about quality depend upon the method used to combine the indicators. Some suggestions and recommendations are made.

David's talk

Many aspects of "quality" are measurable. Conventional audits, target achievements (such as the Quality and Outcomes Framework), and health care statistics have shown this in primary care. As a partner in QRESEARCH and QFLU I am a firm believer in the utility of information derived from data. Yet much of the effective improvements in health care have harnessed the power of qualitative data: anecdotes, case studies, significant events and adverse events. This talk will look at the benefits from a dual approach that values the measurable alongside the emotive, in the pursuit of quality.

Mike's talk