does the Gold Standards Framework enable quality performance?
GROUND: Palliative care is an important, complex aspect of primary care, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The Gold Standards Framework (GSF), a programme used by over 3000 UK practices, aims to facilitate high-quality palliative care through the introduction of systematic clinical and organizational processes. Quality payments for palliative care are available to UK practices which maintain registers and hold multidisciplinary meetings. OBJECTIVES: To explore the effectiveness and sustainability of the implementation of GSF at practice level. METHODS: The study followed a qualitative comparative case study design using in-depth interviews and observational data with 15 practices participating in GSF, from three areas differing in socio-geography. Semi-structured interviews (total 45) with GPs, community nurses and practice managers were supplemented by observation of practice meetings and systems, to provide contextual insights. Transcribed interviews were analysed using a thema
