Better health better metrics

The NHS "Better Metrics" scheme developed clinically relevant measures of performance that can be used as part of local service quality improvement. The 'metrics' are being used as part of local responses to "National Standards, Local Action" (Department of Health, 2004) and as part of Local Public Service Agreements.

"Better Metrics" included 12 'metrics' on health equity and access for people with learning disabilities. These are challenging to implement, as the data sources are 'possible' rather than 'available'.

This project worked with a number of Primary Care Trusts and their partners who wished to address the health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities, using "Better Metrics".

The sites covered a mix of urban and rural areas and ethnically diverse populations. Each site chose a few of the 'metrics' to work on; between them all, the full set of learning disability 'metrics' will be tested.