The findings of an independent review of the IPFR process were published by Welsh Government in January 2017. One of the recommendations for further improvement was to establish a national quality function to ensure quality and consistency across IPFR panels in Wales.
The IPFR Quality Assurance Advisory Group was established in 2017 to monitor and support all IPFR panels to promote quality in decision-making and consistency across Wales.
The Group meets quarterly to assess anonymised random sample IPFR reports in relation to their completeness, timeliness and efficiency of communication in line with the NHS Wales IPFR policy process. Each panel is provided with the results of the assessment according to predefined criteria with comments from the Group and any shared good practice and common themes arising from the meeting. The Group reports to the Head of Pharmacy and Prescribing Policy at Welsh Government with any significant issues brought to the attention of the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales.
Download the Terms of Reference of the Group.