NHS targets

NHS Targets are a set of performance measures used by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services. These targets are set by the Department of Health and Social Care and are used to monitor and improve the performance of the NHS.

Overview

NHS Targets are designed to ensure that the NHS provides high-quality care to all patients. They cover a wide range of areas, including waiting times for treatment, patient satisfaction, and the prevention and control of infections. The targets are set annually and are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Types of NHS Targets

There are several types of NHS Targets, each focusing on a different aspect of healthcare. These include:

• Waiting Time Targets: These targets aim to ensure that patients receive timely care. They include targets for the maximum time a patient should wait for an appointment, for treatment to begin, and for discharge from hospital.

• Patient Satisfaction Targets': These targets measure the quality of the patient experience. They include targets for patient satisfaction with the care they receive, their involvement in decisions about their care, and their overall experience of the NHS.

• Infection Control Targets: These targets aim to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections. They include targets for the prevention and control of infections such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile.

Monitoring and Reporting

The performance of the NHS against these targets is monitored and reported by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC publishes regular reports on the performance of the NHS, which are available to the public.

Criticisms and Controversies

While NHS Targets are intended to improve the quality of care, they have been subject to criticism. Some argue that the focus on meeting targets can lead to a 'tick-box' culture, where the quality of care is secondary to meeting the target. Others argue that the targets are not always relevant to patient outcomes and can lead to unintended consequences.

See Also

• National Health Service
• Department of Health and Social Care
• Care Quality Commission

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