The impact of a spinal best practice tariff on compliance with the British Spine Registry

Abstract

Aims The British Spine Registry (BSR) was introduced in May 2012 to be used as a web-based database for spinal surgeries carried out across the UK. Use of this database has been encouraged but not compulsory, which has led to a variable level of engagement in the UK. In 2019 NHS England and NHS Improvement introduced a new Best Practice Tariff (BPT) to encourage input of spinal surgical data on the BSR. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the spinal BPT on compliance with the recording of surgical data on the BSR. Methods A retrospective review of data was performed at a tertiary spinal centre between 2018 to 2020. Data were collated from electronic patient records, theatre operating lists, and trust-specific BSR data. Information from the BSR included operative procedures (mandatory), patient consent, email addresses, and demographic details. We also identified Healthcare Resource Groups (HRGs) which qualified for BPT. Results A total of 3,587 patients were included in our study. Of these, 1,684 patients were eligible for BPT. Between 2018 and 2019 269/974 (28%) records were complete on the BSR for those that would be eligible for BPT. Following introduction of BPT in 2019, 671/710 (95%) records were complete having filled in the mandatory data (p < 0.001). Patient consent to data collection also improved from 62% to 93%. Email details were present in 43% of patients compared with 68% following BPT introduction. Conclusion Our study found that following the introduction of a BPT, there was a statistically significant improvement in BSR record completion compliance in our unit. The BPT offers a financial incentive which can help generate further income for trusts. National data input into the BSR is important to assess patient outcome following spinal surgery. The BSR can also aid future research in spinal surgery. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2-3:198–201.

No correlation identified between the proportional size of a prolapsed intravertebral disc with disability or leg pain

“…However, these are validated scoring systems widely used in spinal research, and are used by the British Spine Registry. 17 We therefore feel the data obtained from these validated techniques are useful. As indicated above, pain is a subjective sensation, and the psychological factors alluded to at the start of this discussion may explain the variation in symptoms expressed in this paper.…”

“…The preoperative use of questionnaire is standard for all patients and is uploaded to the British Spine Registry. 17 Collection of these data is mandated for best practice tariff and is part of normal data collection, so no ethical approval was sought.…”

Distribution of case volumes in surgery: an analysis of the British Spine Registry

“…The British Spine Registry (BSR) was established in May 2012 by the British Association of Spinal Surgeons to with the aim of collecting information on all spinal surgeries, performed in the National Health Service (NHS) and in the private sector, throughout the UK 11. To this extent, the ‘Best Practice Tariff’ was introduced in 2019 by NHS England and NHS Improvement to improve compliance with data entry 12. The target ascertainment rate is 50%, which was achieved by 55% of units in the first quarter after implementation, with plans to increase to 80% in the near future.…”

“…11 To this extent, the ‘Best Practice Tariff’ was introduced in 2019 by NHS England and NHS Improvement to improve compliance with data entry. 12 The target ascertainment rate is 50%, which was achieved by 55% of units in the first quarter after implementation, with plans to increase to 80% in the near future.…”