DH seeks providers for ‘Year of Care’ pilots

The Department of Health (DH) has called on providers, including private firms, to participate in pilots for its new ‘Year of Care’ funding model for long-term conditions (LTC).

The DH is looking to set up six early implementer sites to test the model, which has been devised as part of the QIPP efficiency agenda.

According to department guidance, the model aims to “support the improvement in care and outcomes for people with LTC by facilitating the delivery of integrated health and social care based on need rather than disease”. A core part of the scheme, which will take place over 12 months, is to assign people to care holistically for single patients during the period.

Patients treated under the model will be identified by risk profiling GP practice populations. The DH said the financial model will be “an annual risk adjusted capitation budget” based on the level of LTC need.

Applicant early implementer sites must consist of providers and commissioners across a local health economy that can demonstrate an ability to provide integrated care.

The DH aims to use evidence from the early implementer sites to create “a robust national pricing structure” for the LTC care delivery model.

The closing date for early implementer applications is 25 May 2012.