Introduction to quality standards and indicators

The objective of this article is to describe NICE’s role regarding quality improvement in health and social care in England and to gain an insight into how NICE quality standards and indicators are used in the health and social care system. NICE is the national point of reference for advice on safe, effective, and cost-effective health and social care. NICE achieves this by providing advice aligned to the needs, uses, and demands of the resource constrained system. NICE’s role in quality improvement follows a stepwise progression starting with evidence-based guidance and recommendations through to quality standards and indicators. These are aimed to contribute to improved outcomes in health and social care.