GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Cognitive Testing: Cognitive interviewing is a widely used approach to critically evaluate survey materials. It allows an investigation into the way target audiences understand, mentally process and respond to survey materials. For example, when a questionnaire is designed it is possible that the author may intend one interpretation of a question but find that respondents presented with the question adopt an alternate understanding. If cognitive interviewing is used successfully in testing questions, survey materials can then be modified to enhance clarity.
Retrospective Probing: Retrospective probing involves the interviewer presenting a question to be answered, the respondent answering it and the interviewer following up by probing for specific information relevant to the question or to the specific answer given (e.g. What does this question mean in your own words?).
Quality and Outcomes Framework: The Quality & Outcomes Framework ( QOF) is a system to remunerate general practices for providing good quality care to their patients, and to help fund work to further improve the quality of health care delivered. It is a fundamental part of the new General Medical Services ( GMS) contract, introduced on 1st April 2004. The core philosophy underpinning the QOF is that incentives are the best method of resourcing work, driving up standards, and recognising practices' achievements.
The QOF measures achievement against a range of evidence-based indicators, with points and payments awarded according to the level of achievement. It is a voluntary part of the new GMS contract; general practices can aspire to achieve all, part, or none of the points available in QOF (although to date, most practices with a GMS contract have participated fully). Additionally, practices with other contract types ("17c" or "2c") may choose to participate in the QOF.
QOF indicator PE7: The percentage of patients who, in the appropriate national survey, indicate that they were able to obtain a consultation with an appropriate health care professional within two working days.
QOF indicator PE8: The percentage of patients who, in the appropriate national survey, indicate that they were able to book an appointment with a GP more than 2 days ahead.
Routing: For a particular response to a question patients are instructed to answer another question next. For example the routing instruction for patients who respond 'Yes' to Question 1 (see Annex D) are 'Go to Question 2'.