No proof that 85% of mental health apps accredited by the NHS actually work

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Health Economist Simon Leigh argues that the unregulated world of health apps brings cause for concern as well as celebration. Fear not though, he has some suggestions for what to look out for when downloading apps, which may help whilst you’re waiting for the regulators and accreditors to get their act together.

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Service improvement needs “a more empowering, bottom-up approach” says Nuffield Trust report

Blackboard with chalk writing saying "Our Priorities"

In this blog, Caroline De Brún looks at a report published by the Nuffield Trust, which suggests a list of priorities for the government to act on, around improvement in the NHS.

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Novel commissioning of NHS stop smoking services

Person breaking a cigarette in half

Caroline De Brun presents the results of a study looking at commissioning policies which support payment incentives to improve care and encourage innovation. This research examines the impact of the novel commissioning of NHS stop smoking services.

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Can competition improve management quality in the NHS?

Main image - Chris

Chris Sampson reports on a discussion paper produced by the Centre for Economic Performance, which looks at the impact of competition on management quality in hospitals.

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Peer support workers in mental health: Is the NHS ready for this?

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Liz Hughes asks: Is the NHS ready for peer support workers in mental health? A recent qualitative study highlights some of the challenges facing peer supporters and the NHS organisations in which they work.

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“Financial crisis provides a window of opportunity and stimulus for reform” says a Health Foundation report

Measuring tape wrapped around a wad of Euros

This is a summary of an evidence scan produced by The Health Foundation about lessons the NHS can learn from other countries about managing financial crisis.

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Commissioning Support Units: Their progress so far

Back office function

The Health Service Journal has published this supplement to highlight the successes of Commissioning Support Units (CSUs), and to discuss their next steps, as they “enter a competitive market next year”, where they have to bid to get a place on the lead provider framework. There has been immense change since CSUs were first launched, [read the full story…]

Combination of clinical and managerial expertise transform local healthcare, case studies demonstrate

Three trees, shaped as heads, during different seasons

This collection of case studies is aimed at all people involved in the development and delivery of quality health services, in particular, commissioners, local authorities, voluntary sectors, and health professionals in all settings, including primary and secondary care. Some of the CCGs are also working with organisations from the retail sector, for example John Lewis. [read the full story…]

Partnerships between trusts and voluntary sector can deliver efficient, high-quality, patient-centred care, according to report

People working together

This report has been written in partnership with the Foundation Trust Network and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations. Its purpose is to show health care providers and commissioners how building partnerships with the voluntary sector can improve patient care, by working together to meet the five key areas of the NHS Mandate: [read the full story…]

Highs and lows of commissioning over the past ten years

Trees reflected in a canal

Introduction The report provides practical guidance and support for NHS employees working in the new NHS system, in particular commissioners working in clinical commissioning groups, local authorities, and NHS England (NHS Commissioning Board). The NHS Confederation is an organisation that identifies best practice and helps NHS staff to implement it. It has produced this report [read the full story…]