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

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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.

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Retrospective matched control analysis is a useful evaluation tool for service redesign, says Nuffield Trust report

Two zebras in Kruger Park, South Africa

This is a summary of a Nuffield Trust report, which describes a novel approach for the evaluation of clinical and cost effectiveness of new NHS care models.

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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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Does the NHS have the capacity and capability to manage the volume and complexity of private contracts?

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In this blog Alison Turner, considers a report, which shares findings from a brief survey on contract management arrangements, making recommendations for a new approach.

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Can competition improve management quality in the NHS?

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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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An integrated leadership approach needed to improve care

Sitting cat with sitting lion shadow on the wall

In this blog, Caroline De Brún considers the latest research evidence on leadership in health care and key characteristics required for effective leadership, published in a new report by the King’s Fund.

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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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“We must all work together in the interests of patients” says the NHS Commissioning Assembly

Spherical collection of words

This comprehensive resource has been written for all the organisations involved in delivering quality services, in particular commissioners and local authorities, who “are responsible for commissioning social care services for adults and children.” The document starts off by explaining what the NHS means by quality, looking at three dimensions, as defined by Lord Ara Darzi [read the full story…]

“Care needs to be just as important as treatment” says report

Pathway through a forest

This practical guidance has been written to help commissioners, service providers, nurses, medical, and allied health professionals, understand the difference care and compassion can make to the service experience of frail older people, and also to the financial situation of health and social care organisations. The guide covers the following themes: Reducing healthcare-related harm Care [read the full story…]

Decisions about new health technologies must be evidence-based, says commentary

People moving cogs

While this commentary is based on Canadian experiences, the authors do look at examples of health technology assessments elsewhere, applying the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the gold standard for others to follow. Health technology assessments are “an evidence-based policy tool that helps inform decision-making on how to balance demand and [read the full story…]