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ℹ️ Introduction
This article explains how to use the Ardens QOF Data Quality resources to identify and correct coding issues that may affect QOF achievement. By the end of this article, you will be able to identify records requiring review, take action, and monitor data quality throughout the year.
Background
The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) rewards GP practices for delivering high‑quality, proactive care. Accurate, complete, and correctly coded data, aligned with NHS England business rules, is essential for ensuring QOF achievement accurately reflects the care delivered.
High‑quality data supports:
Accurate achievement: Missing or incorrect codes mean the completed work is not recognised
Correct patient identification: Reliable coding helps identify patients who genuinely require review or intervention
Safe, proactive care: Accurate records support consistent monitoring and timely follow-up
Protected income: QOF payments depend on the activity being recorded appropriately
Meaningful reporting: Reliable data supports accurate reporting, audits and service planning
How Ardens Can Help
Ardens provides a range of data quality reports designed to help practices identify:
Missing codes that need adding
Incorrect coding requiring correction
Records requiring further review
Incomplete activity that may affect QOF achievement
How to Access the Resources
🔍 Identify Data Quality Issues
The Data Quality reports help practices identify patients records that may require review due to missing, incorrect or incomplete coding.
Reviewing these searches regularly can help ensure activity is recognised appropriately, improve reporting accuracy and reduce the need for large-scale data cleansing later in the year.
Within the Data Quality folders, you will find searches that identify:
Missing or incorrect coding that may affect QOF achievement
Incomplete annual reviews
Missing cervical screening activity
Potential vaccination coding issues
Records that may require further investigation
The available reports vary depending on the clinical system being used, but all are designed to help practices improve data quality and support QOF achievement.
For each report, the search title provides guidance on the issue identified and the action that may be required.
📝 Review, Amend & Record Activity
Once a patient has been identified within a Data Quality report, review their records to determine whether any action is required.
This may include:
Checking for existing coded activity
Adding missing codes
Correcting inaccurate coding
Recording activity that has been completed but not coded appropriately
Arranging any outstanding reviews, investigations or referrals
The relevant Ardens clinical templates can be used to support consistent coding and recording of activity.
Examples include:
Long-term condition templates
Cervical Screening template
Childhood Vaccination template
Adult Vaccination template
After making any changes, re-run the relevant reports to confirm the patient is no longer identified within the search results.
📊 Monitor Data Quality
Data quality should be monitored throughout the year rather than reviewed solely at year end.
Regular monitoring can help practices:
Improve the accuracy of patient records
Ensure completed activity is recognised appropriately
Support QOF achievement
Reduce year-end workload
Improve reporting accuracy
Support safer patient care
Incorporating the Data Quality reports into routine QOF monitoring processes can help identify issues earlier and reduce the risk of missed achievement opportunities.
❓FAQs
How often should I review the data quality searches?
It is recommended that practices review Data Quality searches monthly. Regular reviews help identify and correct issues early, preventing a backlog of work later in the year.
How do I amend data in a patient's record if coding is missing or incorrect?
Once a patient has been identified within a Data Quality report, review their record and use the relevant Ardens template to add, amend or correct coding as required.
Which templates should I use when correcting coding issues?
The appropriate template will depend on the area being reviewed.
What happens if Data Quality issues are not corrected?
Missing or incorrect coding may prevent the completed activity from being recognised within QOF. This can affect reported achievement, reduce payment associated with performance, and impact the accuracy of patient records and reporting.
🏫 Additional Support
Watch the GP Contract 2026/27 Update Webinar for a demonstration of the resources - EMIS / SystmOne
Book training for your GP Practice, PCN or ICB
Contact our Support Team for support in real time