Intelligent Practice: understanding the information needs of GP commissioners

For the first time, the information requirements for commissioning GPs have been identified. The Intelligent Practice, the fourth report in the independent Intelligent Board series, proposes a basic set of criteria as the information necessary to the running of a successful practice. The report's steering group, all practising GPs, unanimously agreed that practice-based commissioning is the key to the modernisation of the NHS. Effective commissioning depends on effective information. GP commissioners are not receiving the information they need to ensure that their local populations receive the best quality health services. This report is a practical guide for GPs and PCTs. It sets out two frameworks of minimum information requirements: one for every GP and another more detailed one for lead commissioners.

(Published February 2007, 18 pages)