Don't say I didn't warn you!

The CCG Improvement and Outcomes Framework was published on the 31st of March.

The stated goal is: “to bring clarity, simplicity and balance to the conversation between NHS England and CCGs about what matters to both sides”.  (I thought we were all on the same “side”?)

Two of the set indicators are focused on diabetes.

·       “Diabetes patients that have achieved all the NICE-recommended treatment targets: Three (HbA1C, cholesterol and blood pressure) for adults and one (HbA1C) for children.

·        People with diabetes diagnosed less than a year who attend a structured education course”

 (NB: “attended” – structured education – not “referred” – more in tomorrow's blog)

The most important thing to know is that it is expected that the data source for the assessment of the CCG performance on these indicators is the NATIONAL DIABETES AUDIT

The initial assessment in expected in June (although the HSJ is speculating that this may be delayed).  You can already see how your CCG will look for these two indicators by going to the NDA website.  I can tell you…………. It won’t look pretty.

The NDA last year changed into an opt-in audit so national participation dropped to 57%.  The participation, by CCG, varied between 3% to 100%. 

I wonder what will be done about assessing those with as little as 3% data?

The next upload period for the National Diabetes Audit is expected to start in June 2016.  It requires each Primary care practice to opt in and submit data once a year and takes approximately 20 minutes depending on your clinical system.

There are loads of reasons to ensure robust participation in the NDA but the CCGIAF may be another really good one.

June is next month!   It only happens once a year.  Communicate, prepare and support your practices to participate in the National Diabetes Audit. 

Don't say I didn't warn you.