Health Management and Policy Alert

National survey of local innovation and research needs of the NHS

Oxford Academic Health Science Network -
This report includes analysis of the innovation and research needs at local level across all Academic Health Science Networks. There were some differences in regional priorities but common themes emerged which reflected wider challenges facing the NHS and align with the priorities of the NHS Long Term Plan. These include: a need for innovation and research addressing workforce challenges; delivery of mental health services and providing care for patients with mental health needs, particularly in children and young people; integrating services to provide effective care for patients with complex needs – including multimorbidity and frailty; and use of digital and artificial intelligence technology.

• Report
• Oxford Academic Health Science Network - news

Integrating health and social care: state or market?

Institute of Economic Affairs -
This report argues that the only way to facilitate better outcomes in terms of patient care and efficiency, is within a system that allows more competition in healthcare provision with different organisations integrating health and social care according to the preferences of their customers and clients.

• Report
• Institute of Economic Affairs - press release

Community services: our time

NHS Providers -
This report explores the opportunities and risks for the sector as a result of the NHS long term plan. It pulls together a range of voices from sectors representing NHS trust leaders, from the hospital, community, ambulance and mental health sectors, as well as representation from social care, primary care, and integrated care systems. It found that there is optimism among leaders within the community services sector about delivering the ambitions of the NHS long term plan but there are key questions to be addressed about the relationship between community services and primary care networks.

• Report
• NHS Providers - news

Supporting community pharmacies to engage with primary care networks: potential actions for LPCs

Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee - 

This briefing provides suggested actions which local pharmaceutical committees (LPCs) can take to ensure community pharmacy is effectively engaged in the work of primary care networks, and pharmacy contractors and their teams are supported to play their part in this. 

• Briefing
• Press release

Contracting arrangements for integrated care providers: response to consultation

NHS England - 

NHS England has published its response following a consultation held about a new contract which can help local health and care communities provide better care for patients. Around 3,800 written responses and feedback from stakeholder events across the country were received about plans for an Integrated Care Provider (ICP) Contract, which will be an option to help local systems integrate care. The feedback will be used to further develop the ICP Contract, which will be available in its updated form as an option for use in local health and care systems from spring 2019.

• Response
• More detail

The primary care network handbook

British Medical Association -
This handbook offers options to groups of practices looking to establish a primary care network (PCN). It includes detailed guidance on: governance structures, internal governance and decision making, potential PCN structures and employment options, PCN funding, and PCN future workforce options.

• Handbook
• British Medical Association - blog

Integrated homes, care and support measurable outcomes for healthy ageing

The Extra Care Charitable Trust - 

This report provides an overview of the research findings from the collaborative research project between Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing (ARCHA) and the ExtraCare Charitable Trust. This report extends the findings of the 2015 report, covering the period from 2012 to 2018. Throughout the report, the focus is on the benefits to residents generated through ExtraCare villages and schemes, including sustained improvements in markers of health and well-being for residents and subsequent cost implications for the NHS.

• Report
• More detail

Chief Social Worker for Adults' annual report: 2018 to 2019 – social work leadership in changing times

Department of Health and Social Care -
The Chief Social Worker for Adults in England, Lyn Romeo, sets out progress in improving the education, training and practice of social work with adults. The report details: how social workers are taking a practice leadership role in delivering safe and best outcomes for people with health and care needs; and priorities to further raise the quality and profile of adult social work across an integrated system. It offers examples of social workers demonstrating leadership, professional oversight and co-operation with individuals, families and the wider health and care sector.

• Report
• Department of Health and Social Care - publications

Payments and contracting for integrated care: the false promise of the self-improving health system

The King's Fund -
Why should the new payment systems being developed to support integrated care be any more successful than previous ones? This report calls for urgent reform of the system for paying and contracting services in the NHS.

• Report
• The King's Fund - publications

A teachable moment: delivering perioperative medicine in integrated care systems

Royal College of Anaesthetists - 

This report showcases a number of innovative and award-winning programmes in hospitals across England that are improving patient care before, during and after surgery. The time preparing for, undergoing and then recovering from an operation is known as the perioperative period and the College believes that tailored care throughout this time will improve long-term outcomes for patients after surgery.

• Report
• Press release