1. Phil Collins SUS Programme
SUS PBC Comparators
Phil Collins
SUS Programme

2. SUS PBC Comparators - topics
Background to practice based commissioning (PBC)
The need for information to support PBC
The SUS PBC Comparators system
Objectives
Design principles
Overview
Release plans and the future
Our objectives
Develop an information culture
Take a leading role in the development of an information culture across health
and social care, supporting and promoting the sound use and interpretation of
information and setting the standards to determine the information is fit for purpose.
Information of integrity
Become the primary organisation for co-ordinating and effecting the capture,
production and dissemination of unbiased, credible and comparable information
relating to health and social care.
Dynamic organisation
Foster and encourage a dynamic work environment, creating a motivated and
skilled workforce.
Effective access to information
Enable timely access to information that can be used by decision makers to effect
positive change to improve health and social care services.
Policy development and research
Lead information policy development and contribute to research, ensuring information
is at the heart of policy making.

3. Background to PBC
“PBC is about engaging practices and other primary care professionals in the commissioning of services. Through PBC, front line clinicians are being provided with the resources and support to become more involved in commissioning decisions.”
Department of Health guidance

4. PBC Guidance
Practice based commissioning: achieving universal coverage
Published by DH in January 2006
Health reform in England: update and commissioning framework
Published by DH in July 2006
It sets out a framework to strengthen commissioning and focuses in particular on PBC
DH review of NHS locally developed information tools for PBC
Recognises that “information is crucial for successful practice based commissioning”.

5. Information to support PBC
Acknowledged that there is not sufficient information available at present to meet all the criteria set out in Practice based commissioning: achieving universal coverage
Recognised that the SUS PBC Comparator system is the long-term strategic solution for PBC
Recognised that there are some significant local developments providing real value (and that these will continue to develop)

6. Information to support PBC
Current position
National
Local
Some local systems developed, e.g. ASP, GM, MIDAS
And some commercial systems e.g. Ardentia, Dr Foster, Sollis

7. Information to support PBC
Position as at mid May 2007
National
Local
PBC Comparators
Local systems

8. Information to support PBC
Future position
National
Local
PBC Comparators
Local systems

9. Background to PBC Comparators
Initial discussions with DH in March 2006
High level draft specification issued in August
Approval to go ahead
Draft requirements produced in November
With indication of expansion to other data sources (e.g. QOF and prescribing)
Work commenced in December 2006

10. Partners for PBC Comparators
Sponsor
Department of Health
Development team
Secondary Uses Service
NHS Information Centre
NHS Connecting for Health
Northgate Information Solutions

11. Objectives for PBC Comparators
To deploy a national, web-based, system for the provision of GP practice comparators
Accessible to all GP practices (as well as PCTs, SHAs, Trusts, PHOs etc)
Providing comparators of commissioning activity, referral patterns, outcomes, prescribing and QOF data
Data refreshed quarterly and available shortly after the PbR Freeze date

12. Design principles for PBC Comparators
Web-based access
Summary level information
Intuitive ‘dash board’ graphical style presentation
Built-in help and supporting information

13. Current status of the system
First release on time in first week of April 2007
User assurance and testing underway
Two more releases during April and early May
Full release planned for mid May

14. Planned initial comparators
Activity and Cost (at PbR tariff) comparators for:
1. OP first attendances for source of referral = GP per 1000 population for the six specialities identified for care outside hospital *
2. Total outpatient attendances per 1000 population
3. Non-Elective admissions for 19 ambulatory care sensitive *
4. Non-Elective Admissions per 1000 population
5. Four QOF area admissions per 1000 population (CHD, Asthma, COPD, diabetes)
6. Elective IP Admissions per 1000 population
7. Day case Admissions per 1000 population
8. Total elective admissions per 1000 population
9. Admissions for five procedures with evidence of overuse / 1000 population*
* Better Value Better Care indicators

15. Overview of the system

38. Release plans and the future
Release 1 scheduled for mid May
Basic range of comparators
Wide range of access (registration not restricted)
Further releases currently being planned and schedule will be announced soon
Expanding on
number of comparators
functionality
number of data sources

39. Phil Collins SUS Programme
SUS PBC Comparators
Phil Collins
SUS Programme