The role of public health in supporting the development of integrated services

This briefing paper is intended for use by managers and professionals who are either involved in the direct management and delivery of integrated services in England, or the commissioning of these services. The paper provides an overview of the scope of public health practice, outlines some of the tools and techniques that might be used in designing and evaluating integrated services, and explains how they might be used as a lever for change and service improvement. The paper includes case studies showing how public health techniques can be applied, and links to further resources and material for those interested in developing a more detailed understanding of public health practice.

(Published May 2007, 52 pages)

New guidance - Implementing care closer to home: convenient quality care for patients

Our health, our care, our say - a new direction for community services reinforced the importance of services provided by healthcare professionals working in community settings, and both Practitioners with Special Interests (PwSIs) and NHS specialist staff have a key role in the delivery of such services. This updated national guidance aims to provide practical support to commissioners for the provision of more specialised services closer to home with the emphasis on the role of PwSIs. It also includes new robust governance arrangements for GPs and Pharmacists with Special Interests to ensure the services in which they work are safe, of a high quality and better able to meet patients’ needs in the communities in which they are located.

(Published May 2007)

Practice-based Commissioning: from good idea to effective practice

King’s Fund: Although practice-based commissioning (PBC) receives widespread support among the main political parties and NHS stakeholder groups, implementation of this policy has been slow. The NHS now boasts ’universal coverage’ of PBC but in practice this means it has created an environment in which PBC could flourish rather than one in which it is flourishing. This paper considers the current state of PBC implementation and how it might be driven forward within the NHS. Drawing on the results of a ‘straw poll’ of GPs and practice managers, the paper outlines a course of action that the NHS could adopt to move PBC from a good idea to effective practice.

(Published May 2007, 16 pages)

(Press Release)

Improving access to psychological therapies: specification for the commissioner-led pathfinder programme

The Department of Health document: Specification of the provision of psychological therapies by commissioner-led pilot sites. Organisations are invited to tender for participation in pathfinder sites based on the specification and demonstrate how and when they will meet the specifications contained within the document.

(Published May 2007)

Commissioning a brighter future: improving access to psychological therapies - positive practice guide

Everyone in society has the right to make a difference within their local community, but some can be restricted by their mental health problems. This document, by CSIP Choice and Access Team, describes services that provide everyone with depression and anxiety disorders with access to the right treatment. It also sets out the learning so far from the demonstration sites. It is intended to be used to inform the development of a further 10 Pathfinder sites. Other commissioners who wish to review their current services and consider improvements to their services can also use it.

(Published May 2007, 32 pages)

Trusts' lack of support threatens practice based commissioning

Zosia Kmietowicz states GPs and practice managers in England are struggling to implement practice based commissioning, a survey shows, because of problems getting support and information from their primary care trusts.

BMJ 2007;334:1079

Has the practice manager's role evolved to accommodate PbC?

The introduction of practice-based commissioning [PbC] has meant a new set of challenges - and responsibilities - for the practice manager. The need to oversee clinical delivery demands a new relationship with the community and with local hospitals. Christine Ranson, a practice manager in the West Midlands, relates how PbC has impacted on both her surgery and her job.

Management in Practice 2007; 6 : 19-21

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: cost-effectiveness comparison

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of four risk-lowering interventions (smoking cessation, antihypertensives, aspirin, and statins) in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: A cost-effective strategy should offer smoking cessation for smokers and aspirin for moderate and high levels of risk among men 45 years of age and older. Statin therapy is the most expensive option in primary prevention at levels of 10-year coronary heart disease risk below 30 percent and should not constitute the first choice of treatment in these populations.

Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2007 Winter;23(1):71-9.

Working together for better diabetes care

The national director for diabetes sets out how services are changing to meet the needs of patients, and how they need to change in the future. Clinicians in primary and secondary care need to work together and work in partnership with patients to improve care for people with diabetes.

(Published May 2007, 16 pages)

Conferences

Commissioning and sex education events from National Children's Bureau

Commissioning for Health and Well-being: Incremental steps to achieve transformational change