About indicators
Our indicators measure outcomes that reflect the quality of care or processes linked by evidence to improved outcomes.
These outcomes are ideally, but not always, related to NICE quality standards. All our indicators are contained within our list of indicators.
Types of indicator
There are 3 types of indicator:
general practice indicators, suitable for use in the quality and outcomes framework (QOF)
general practice indicators, suitable for use outside of the QOF
network/system level indicator.
Indicators in development
We're currently developing potential indicators on:
weight management
antimicrobial stewardship
asthma review.
If you'd like to get involved, email [email protected] to register as a stakeholder.
You can also view a list of the new indicators NICE has published (Word).
How they're used
Our indicators can be used in a number of different settings to support high quality care. These include:
identifying where improvements are needed
setting priorities for quality improvement and support
creating local performance dashboards
benchmarking performance against national data
supporting local quality improvement schemes
showing progress that local health systems are making on outcomes.
How we develop them
Our indicators are underpinned by a robust evidence base and have been through a rigorous process. This includes:
development by an independent expert committee (including GPs, hospital consultants, public health and social care practitioners, NHS commissioners and lay members)
testing and piloting
public consultation.
We work in partnership with NHS Digital to develop and test the indicators and technical specifications. We publish all the background evidence used. Read the NICE indicator process guide to find out more.
Each indicator has:
a denominator, describing the target population included in an indicator
a numerator, describing the number of people in the denominator who should have the specified intervention, treatment or outcome
a description of the inclusions, exclusions and exceptions.
Contact us
To find out more about the programme, email [email protected].