Developing a 'consultation quality index' (CQI) for use in general practice

Abstract

We have outlined possible uses for the CQI as part of the packages assessing quality of care by doctors and practices. The measure may also have a part to play in recognizing poorly performing doctors. We suggest how CQI scores could contribute to an incentive scheme to reward good consulting practice. Further work is in hand to compare doctors' CQI scores with scores based on performance indicators constructed from routine NHS data on prescribing and preventive medicine.

Further observations on enablement

“…On the other hand, where doctors had at least 25 'other language' enablement scores to compare with their 'English language' scores, the correlation was r = 0.72. 5 So, although we agree again with Mead et al that caution has to be applied before using enablement on its own as an element of the national quality programme, we do not see why it could not contribute to a new QOF 'interpersonal care' measure now. Indeed we have proposed one such measure in the BJGP -the CQI-2.…”

Factors associated with enablement in general practice: cross-sectional study using routinely-collected data

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] The items were designed to determine patients' feelings of confidence, ability, and coping following a consultation.…”

“…It has been suggested that quality can be assessed additionally by measuring consultation length, continuity of care, and patient enablement, reflecting the core values of primary care. 2 In this model, enablement is a measure of the outcome of consultations. This paper examines the enablement concept in more detail.…”

Consultation in general practice: a standard operating procedure?

“…Research showed that in longer consultations doctors prescribe less [4,5], listen better to their patients, identify more problems, explore more psychosocial problems and provide more health promotion [3,6]. When we take these measures as a proxy for quality, longer consultations seem to be better [5,7,8]. Howie and coworkers [8,9] showed that two major characteristics of primary care, holism and patient centredness, are both promoted by longer consultations.…”

“…When we take these measures as a proxy for quality, longer consultations seem to be better [5,7,8]. Howie and coworkers [8,9] showed that two major characteristics of primary care, holism and patient centredness, are both promoted by longer consultations. Ridsdale et al [10] found in longer consultations doctors and patients to show significantly different behaviour.…”