Health Management and Policy Alert

Becoming European: how France, Germany, Spain and UK engage with European Union Health Policy

This report, based on extensive interviews with senior policy-makers in the four member states analyses the political and administrative organisation of their EU engagement from three perspectives: coordination of approach, type of activity, and formal and informal influencing. It looks at the consequences for each member state of its given policy and the lessons that the UK can learn  from these, in the context of its own political devolution. (Nuffield Trust - publications)

Integrated care: lessons from evidence and experience

With an aging population and an increasing prevalence of chronic disease, ever more people require care and support services from organisations that cross the boundaries of health, social care, housing and voluntary organisations. The search is on for ways to improve the coordination of patient care and to integrate services from the numerous organisations needed to deliver timely, efficient and high-quality care. To help explore these issues, the Nuffield Trust held a seminar on the topic of integrated care for people with chronic diseases. This paper summarises the discussions, drawing on the contributions made by the main speakers at the seminar about research evidence and the US experience of integration. (Nuffield Trust - publications)

NHS Foundation Trust Financial Reporting Manual 2009/10 (FT FReM)

The FT FReM 2009/10 incorporates any divergences from the HM Treasury Financial Reporting Manual (FReM). The Treasury is expected to publish its FReM for 2009/10 in January 2009. Following the release of the FReM, Monitor will review the FT FReM and publish any changes, if appropriate, prior to the commencement of the 2009/10 financial year.

(Monitor - publications)

How well are acute trusts following the hygiene code?

This publication describes the Healthcare Commission's findings from 51 inspections of acute NHS trusts (about 30% of the acute sector) to assess their performance regarding cleanliness and infection control. The Healthcare Commission praised NHS trusts for showing increasing commitment to reducing healthcare-associated infections. However, the NHS must maintain the pressure, because the spotchecks revealed gaps in many trusts' systems.

(Healthcare Commission - publications)

Patient experience PSA scores update to include results from the 2007 and early 2008 patient surveys, and revisions to previous PSA scores

This publication updates the patient experience scores previously published on 22 April 2008. These figures report final progress against the PSA target for sustained improvement in patient experience for the 2005-08 spending review period. Results have been updated to include scores derived from survey results published by the Healthcare Commission in 2007 and early 2008. There are new data points for 'adult inpatients', 'primary care' and 'community mental health'. 

(Department of Health - publications)

Commissioning wiki

The Commissioning Handbook is being developed by information professionals, pooling knowledge resources and sharing good practice so that they can better support NHS staff involved in commissioning health services.  It is open for all to access.

(The Commissioning Handbook)

Working Time Directive - implications and practical suggestions to achieve compliance

A new report published by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Surgeons looks at how prepared hospitals are for the August 2009 48-hour per week European Working Time Directive deadline. The research claims that patient safety and medical training could be compromised unless there is adequate funding and engagement from senior NHS management to see the changes through.

(The Royal College of Anaesthetists - news) [BBC News - Health]

Moving to an all-degree nursing profession at registration: how might the nursing workforce and quality of care be affected?

Moving to an all-degree workforce at the point of registration has been recommended as a key strategy in modernising nursing. The challenges it poses, however, have long been debated: potential advantages of increased attractiveness of nursing as a career for some and enhanced quality of care have been contrasted with potential risks of deterring other potential applicants and concerns about proficiency in 'basics' of care and workforce retention. Drawing on a recent review, this Policy+ presents evidence on these and other questions to identify potential challenges for the NHS in England if it is to move successfully to an all-graduate profession.

(National Nursing Research Unit - publications)

Targeted mental health in schools project: using the evidence to inform your approach - a practical guide for headteachers and commissioners

This guide supports the strategic integration of all agencies involved in the delivery of child and adolescent mental health services so that they can work together to deliver flexible, responsive and effective early intervention mental health services. It is for everyone responsible for deciding which services to deliver in their Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS) pathfinder project, including headteachers, commissioners in the local authority and primary care trust (PCT) and TaMHS project managers.

(Department for Children, Schools and Families - publications)

Help build a better health and social care service: Local Involvement Networks (LINks) explained

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) have been introduced to help strengthen the system that enables communities to influence local health and care services. This document explains more about LINks and how you can make your voice heard by getting involved. This publication supersedes previous versions of 'LINks explained'.

(Department of Health - publications)