The modern outpatient: a collaborative approach 2017-2020

12. Measuring Outcome: The Quality Dimension

12.1 Each element of the Programme will have a set of key metrics and associated outcome measures. The net effect will be an ambition to stem the growth in outpatient in-hospital appointments and reduce the overall numbers by 2020, releasing resources for reinvestment in out of hospital provision and enhance patient experience.

12.2 This is linked with an ambition to provide person-centred, safe and effective care in the most appropriate setting. Measurement of metrics and outcomes will ensure an evidence base to support optimal flows of patients, professionals and resource.

12.3 Quality outcomes and related quality indicators will be pursuant of integrating local improvement priorities and national goals and will be developed and measured on the basis of:

• Patient safety
• Patient experience
• Timely access to care
• Outcomes of care including unintended consequences
• Health inequalities: preventative longitudinal outcomes
• Peer comparisons and unwarranted variation
• Productivity
• Efficiency
• Value for money.

12.4 The National Review of Targets and Indicators for Health and Social Care will be published towards end of the Summer. Revision is likely to take account of whole system change and the use of data and information which demonstrates improvement and quality systemically. Recommendations generated from the review will be integrated (where relevant) with the Programme's suite of quality measures.