DDA26: DSQS - is it worth it?

Dispensary Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) is voluntary. Ask yourself: Is it worth it?

Does the practice benefit? Do the patients benefit? Is there an alternative that would show quality to patients, earn some money and be less of a burden to practice?

These were the questions posed by DDA Scottish Representative Dr Hal Maxwell in his presentation, Dispensary Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) - Audits, Pitfalls & More.

He reassured the audience that despite seeming onerous, most of the work of DSQS will already be in place, as part of good clinical practice.

He explained that the practice manager will already keep details of staff training & appraisal. Significant Event Analysis (SEA) and audits are part of GP appraisal. He said: “So use them to focus on the DSQS activity – no need to duplicate work.”

However, in his practice, participation in the DSQS would deliver £3612. Inviting the audience to consider the economics, he said: “What else could the staff do that may earn more?”

He told the audience that while Scotland does not currently have the DSQS, Scottish GPC was in the early stages of negotiations for a new GP dispensing contract and that it was possible that the DSQS or a Scottish equivalent might be introduced.

The presentation looked at the specification of the DSQS, key requirements and examples of audit, and payment.

Addressing audit, he advised practices to agree with their ICB the audit topic, key performance indicators, and required evidence “sooner rather than later at the start of the year”.

Noting that the audit topic must be specific to a dispensary activity, he also said: “Pick a topic of use to your practice.”

DDA resources to support the DSQS are as follows:

View the presentation slides.

Listen to the audio

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