On targets: How targets can be most effective in the English NHS

"This report does not set out to determine whether targets, as a concept, are good or bad, but focuses on how targets can be most effective for improving quality of care. It builds on the evidence base regarding the impact of targets to identify good practice in designing new or improved targets, and considers how policymakers can apply these lessons to the challenges facing the NHS."

On targets: How targets can be most effective in the English NHS
N Berry, T Gardner, I Anderson
The Health Foundation
November 2015

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Learning about competition from the UK's National Health Service

"Hospital competition is an important and significant driver of quality and outcomes improvement. That’s true both for a nationalized health system like the NHS and the private system in the United States."

Learning about competition from the UK's National Health Service
A Frakt
Journal of the American Medical Association
8th July 2015

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Access to hospital care - is the NHS on target?

"This briefing is the fourth in our series – it focuses on access to hospital services in the English NHS and assesses performance against six key waiting time targets. It looks at how national performance has changed over the course of this parliament and if targets are still being met.

Previous briefings in the series examined: the state of general practice; rationing in health care; and the reasons behind the ‘crisis’ in A&E."

Access to hospital care - is the NHS on target?
H Dorning, I Blunt
Nuffield Trust
March 2015

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The Francis Report: one year on

"Many senior leaders of the acute trusts said that the publication of the Francis Report had prompted them to reflect in greater depth on the quality of care being delivered in their organisations."

The Francis Report: one year on
R Thorlby, J Smith, S Williams, M Dayan
Nuffield Trust
February 2014

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NHS England: Improving A&E Performance Gateway ref: 00062

"Working closely with other key stakeholders, and building on the views already shared from CCGs and providers, NHS England will put in place an approach that will support the emergency and urgent care system, reduce pressure and ensure that patients do not have to wait longer than the agreed standards as identified in the NHS constitution and thus meet the national operating target of 95%."

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Design and application of shared savings programs

"Enabling health care providers to share in the savings they generate from the delivery of more efficient, higher-quality care is a promising way to achieve the goals of health reform."

The design and application of shared savings programs: lessons from early adoptersThe Commonwealth Fund
September 2012
 
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