NJR Incentive Framework Pilot
Improve performance. Enhance data quality. Reduce subscription costs.
The National Joint Registry (NJR) is developing a voluntary incentive framework pilot to recognise hospitals that demonstrate high levels of participation, engagement and data quality.
The pilot will explore whether organisations meeting agreed performance standards could receive recognition and a reduction in annual NJR subscription charges.
We are seeking feedback and expressions of interest from hospitals that would like to help shape and potentially participate in the pilot.
Why is the NJR introducing this pilot?
The value of the NJR depends on the quality, completeness and accuracy of the data submitted by participating organisations.
High-quality data supports:
- Better patient care and outcomes
- Clinical audit and quality improvement
- Reliable reporting and benchmarking
- Research and service planning
- Confidence in NJR outputs
The pilot aims to encourage improvement in key areas that contribute most to data quality.
Benefits of participation
Participating hospitals could:
- Improve data quality and record linkability
- Support quality improvement at a local level through KPI monitoring
- Gain recognition by demonstrating commitment to high-quality data submission
- Explore potential subscription charge reductions
- Help shape future NJR incentive arrangements
How the pilot will work
Participating organisations will be assessed against six KPIs using one of two combinations.
- Option A: Five mandatory KPIs and 1 additional KPI, or
- Option B: Four mandatory KPIs and 2 additional KPIs
The exact requirements will reflect the services undertaken by each organisation, including whether shoulder replacement procedures are performed.
Mandatory KPIs
- Elective patient consent
- Trauma patient consent (including eligible hemiarthroplasty procedures)
- Record linkability
- Data quality and audit compliance
- Pre-operative shoulder PROMs completion*
*Applicable only to organisations undertaking shoulder replacement procedures.
Additional performance measures
These may include:
- Completion of data quality activities and audits
- Compliance with clinical performance indicators
- Timely submission of procedure data to the NJR (within 30 days)
Help shape the pilot
Before the pilot is formally launched, the NJR would like feedback on whether the framework is:
Practical • Achievable • Fair • Meaningful
Feedback will be used to refine the pilot before launch and to better understand potential impacts on hospitals and clinical services.
We welcome feedback from:
- Clinical Liaison Leads
- NJR RCCs
- Orthopaedic Leads
- Surgeons and Clinical Teams
- Cost / Quality Improvement Leads
Ways to get involved
Option A: Provide feedback on the proposed framework before launch.
Help refine the framework by commenting on:
- KPI selection and thresholds
- Practical implementation
- Potential organisational benefits
- Operational challenges
Option B: Register your interest
Expressions of interest are non-binding and allow organisations to:
- Receive pilot updates
- Explore participation opportunities
- Help shape the framework
- Learn more about KPI requirements and incentives
Participation will help evaluate impact on data quality, engagement, organisational performance as well as the practicality of the framework.
Option C: Both
Organisations may wish to provide feedback, register interest in participating, or do both.
Mandatory KPIs
View KPI breakdown
Mandatory KPIs
Organisations will be expected to achieve agreed thresholds relating to:
- Elective patient consent: Ensuring appropriate consent rates for elective procedures submitted to the NJR.
- Trauma patient consent: Ensuring appropriate consent rates for trauma procedures submitted to the NJR, including eligible hemiarthroplasty procedures.
- Record linkability: Supporting accurate matching of NJR records with national identifiers.
- Data quality and audit compliance: Maintaining high standards of data completeness and participation in NJR audit processes.
- Pre-operative shoulder PROMs completion*: Percentage of eligible patients completing PROMs before surgery.
*Applicable only to organisations undertaking shoulder replacement procedures.
Additional performance measures
The pilot will also consider:
- Timely completion of data quality activities: Completion of ad hoc audits and/or undertaking specified data quality activities within agreed timescales.
- Compliance with clinical performance indicators: Supporting activities related to improvements in clinical performance indicators.
- Timeliness of submission: Entering joint replacement details to the NJR within 30 days of the procedure taking place.
Frequently asked questions
Is participation mandatory?
No. This is a voluntary pilot.
Does expressing an interest commit my organisation to participate?
No. Expressions of interest are non-binding.
Have KPI thresholds been finalised?
No. Thresholds are still being developed and will be shared during the engagement activities.
Will all organisations be assessed in the same way?
Requirements may vary depending on the services provided, including whether shoulder replacement procedures are undertaken.
Who is eligible?
Any NHS or independent hospital that undertakes joint replacement procedures.
Get involved
Help shape the framework or register your organisation’s interest in participating.
For further information, please contact a member of the NJR team using the details provided: njradmin@njr.org.uk