One in three GPs say PBC data poor

More than one in three GPs actively involved in practice-based commissioning rate the quality of information and data they receive for PBC as poor, according to the Department of Health’s revamped PBC survey.

The DH said its latest survey run between October and December this year created a more “accurate and robust picture” of PBC because it has changed the format to questions lead GPs in PBC groups and practices rather than a random sample of GP practices.

The survey http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_109765.pdf of 466 PBC leads found that 37% felt the quality of information and data was fairly or very poor with 40% describing it as fairly or very good. The timeliness of information and data was reported as fairly or very poor by 46% of respondents with 29% finding it fairly or very good.

A total of 57% of PBC leads said the quality of management support for PBC was good while 21% described it as poor. Only one in four GPs (25%) said the speed of PCT decision making for business cases was good.

When asked how PCTs could improve the support they provide “information provision” was the most popular answer, named by 26% of respondents.

The survey showed that 80% of practice based commissioners said PBC had made some impact in bringing care closer to home and 77% said their efforts had improved patient experience to some degree.

Health minister Mike O’Brien said speaking to named commissioners directly enabled the DH to see what impact PBC was having in the eyes of those who were the driving force for innovations and improvements in the quality of care.

He added: “The new survey helps create a more robust and accurate picture of PBC both locally and nationally, highlighting areas which are doing an impressive job in making an impact on their patients and identifying areas where this best practice needs to be spread.”