Quality and outcomes framework

The quality and outcomes framework (QOF) is part of the General Medical Services (GMS) contract for general practices and was introduced on 1 April 2004.

The QOF rewards practices for the provision of 'quality care' and helps to fund further improvements in the delivery of clinical care.

Access the 2016/17 QOF guidance. Download a summary of the changes to QOF for 2016/17.

A set of FAQs has been developed to support commissioners in delivery of the GMS contract, these FAQs can be found on our QOF FAQs page.

Details of QOF changes by year can be found on the sections below. 

Further information

The full set of indicators of achievement are outlined in the latest QOF guidance, published by NHS Employers, which is updated for each year.

QOF results are published annually for the following countries, by the following organisations:

• England - the Health and Social Care Information Centre 
• Scotland - the Information Services Division or contact Alistair Smith at nss.isdGeneralPractice@nhs.net 
• Northern Ireland - the Department for health, social services and public safety, or contact qofdataenquiries@dhsspsni.gov.uk 
• Wales - NHS Wales