Podcast – Practice Index – Strategies for the 25/26 Quality and Outcomes Framework

In this week's episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back Claire Houston and Ceri Chaplin to explore the major changes to the Quality and Outcomes Framework for the 2025/26 contract, and what they mean for general practice. The episode dives into the removal of income protected indicators and the Quality Improvement domain, marking a shift back to an outcomes driven framework. This change could bring increased financial pressure, making strategic budgeting and achievement planning more important than ever. Beyond QOF, they also discuss the wider challenge of promoting preventative care, with a focus on childhood immunisation targets and cardiovascular disease management. With public trust in vaccinations still recovering post-pandemic, practices will need to innovate to meet targets and boost patient engagement. Tune in for a practical and insightful look at how these updates could reshape the future of general practice. Introduction (00:08)  The main changes to QOF (00:36) Stepping back.. (01:49)  Reducing the admin for practices (02:20) Budgeting.. (03:10)  The risk for practices (04:30)  Are the targets achievable? (06:58)  Advice to practices (09:28)  Do PCNs have a role in this? (12:45)  Retirement of the quality improvement domain (17:28) The future for QOF (20:41)  A more local focus.. (22:33)  Where to find support.. (25:03)  Book your QOF achievement session below; QOF Changes 2025/26 (Tuesday 13th May) QOF Changes 2025/26 (Tuesday 20th May) To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.