Orthodontic bracket slot size: does it influence treatment outcomes?

shutterstock_72458023 Dental braces super macro

Only 4 mainly retrospective studies were identified for this review of the influence of orthodontic bracket size on treatment outcomes. While greater efficiency was suggested with the 0.018-inch bracket the quality of the evidence is limited a higher quality studies are needed.

[read the full story...]

Stratify, specialise, standardise, analyse: maximising quality and efficiency in elective care

1399075089_a939114aa7_o

Our resident Elf Economist Chris Sampson summarises a recent report from Monitor (England’s health services regulator), which looks at how NHS providers can improve productivity in elective care.

[read the full story...]

Reducing the bureaucracy in general practice must be a national priority, says NHS Alliance

4385808533_e3a7697643_z

Sarah McDonald reviews a new NHS Alliance report, which provides a snapshot of GP and Practice Manager views on the day-to-day work demands that exist outside of general practice consultations.

[read the full story...]

Strong primary care can help improve efficiency, says WHO report

Map of Europe with flags identifying each country

In her blog, Caroline De Brún considers a recently published report by the World Health Organization, comparing strengths and issues faced by primary care health systems in Europe.

[read the full story...]

Commissioning for health improvement can help tackle health inequalities, says report

Public health 1

This new guide from the Royal Society for Public Health is most relevant to commissioners, providers, local authorities, people working in health improvement and public health practitioners. Take a look and see which areas will be most useful to you in terms of reducing health inequalities and improving health and wellbeing in your area.

[read the full story...]

Improve local community mental health services using this framework

Shape of a head filled with cogs

This work, developed by accountancy firm Mazars LLP, has been commissioned by NHS Confederation and Strategic Health Authority Mental Health Leads. It is a diagnostic tool aimed at mental health commissioners working for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), helping them to identify where the gaps are in their local service provision and what they need to [read the full story…]

Health resources: who decides who gets what

World and stethoscope

Introduction Published by The King’s Fund, this briefing discusses how to improve the allocation of health resources in England. It is aimed at commissioners and local authorities, and other key decisions-makers regarding health care delivery. This is an important document, as it explains clearly the changes taking place from April 2013, as a consequence of [read the full story…]

The changing relationship between user and provider and its impact on quality

Joined puzzle pieces

Introduction This Evidence Review from The Health Foundation and RAND Europe looks at whether the changing relationships between healthcare service users and providers will improve the quality of care delivered. It is important for anyone who is involved in delivering a more patient-centric service, as it reviews how the recent changes in the relationship between service [read the full story…]

Commissioners’ priorities for improving the NHS

Chrysalis butterfly

Introduction This document is relevant to commissioners, public health, local authorities, Clinical Commissioning Groups, and Health and Wellbeing Boards. Originally published in March 2011, it has been updated due to the changes taking place in the NHS as of 1st April 2013. The changes involve more than £65 billion of public money, representing the NHS [read the full story…]