Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 86
All patients benefit from continuity of care, even without expressed preference for it.
Conclusion
We recognise that continuity of care is valued differently by different patients. However, just because a patient does not necessarily express a preference for continuity of care, it does not mean that they will not benefit from receiving it. It is clearly the case that even a patient who is young and generally healthy would be better served, in the event that they did develop a serious condition, by receiving care from a GP with whom they have an ongoing relationship. Patients should always be given the choice to receive quicker access if they feel they need it, but we believe the ambition should be to provide continuity to all patients as much as possible.
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, agreeing on the importance of collecting outcomes data. It commits to look at ways to strengthen data collection and monitoring of outcomes as part of the planned Quality and Outcomes Framework consultation during 2023/24.
Paragraph Reference:
86
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Partially accept. We accept this recommendation in part and agree with the Committee about the importance of collecting and understanding outcomes data. We will look at ways to strengthen data collection and monitoring of outcomes as part of our commitment to consult on the future of Quality and Outcomes Framework during 2023/24. Further work would also need to be done to understand the feasibility of implementing new measures, particularly if they are outside of existing structures. Our view is that collection of data on delivery of care processes and final health outcomes is not in opposition and helps to reduce unwarranted variations in care. There is an important role for monitoring the delivery of care activities which are known to lead to improvements in patient health outcomes and can be measured within shorter periods of time (for example, annually). Without data in this area, clinicians would find it more difficult to understand actions that can be taken to improve patient outcomes.