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.

The full set of indicators of achievement are outlined in summary of 2017/18 indicators. As there were no changes to QOF for 2017/18, the 2016/17 QOF guidance, published by NHS Employers, still applies.

Details of QOF changes by year can be found in 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