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Policy paper on what works to support patients to make informed choices in primary care.

The Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham organised a seminar in June 2009 bringing together experts from the US and the UK.

The seminar focused on the evidence for integration; the current policy context in the NHS in England; case studies of integration from different parts of the country; and the contribution of the independent sector.

This report summarises the presentations made at the seminar and draws out the implications for policy and practice.

Paper that compares the NHS and Kaiser programmes and details the achievements and challenges in the Kaiser NHS Beacon Sites Programme.

Paper which draws on evidence from the US as well as on previous experience in the NHS of GP commissioning in different forms, to identify lessons for policy makers as they take this policy forward.

While the government is on the right lines in promoting GP budget holding, the paper suggests that there is a need for caution in promoting budget holding as a universal solution without regard to the capabilities of practices to manage a budget and the safeguards that need to be put in place to avoid the downside risks.

Policy paper which seeks to contribute to an ongoing debate about how best to use health and social care resources to achieve the best possible outcomes in difficult financial circumstances.

The description of care trusts as either the ‘vanguard’ of integrated organisations or a ‘lost tribe’ was made by the former Chief Executive of a care trust at an HSMC learning event soon after their creation. It nicely captures the mixed views of care trusts as either the cutting edge of integration between health and social care or as a band of individuals and organisations that have happened upon a clumsy structural solution as a way of shielding themselves from other agendas.

Briefing for family carers supporting a child with severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging. It will help people understand what to expect from local services.

Briefing for family carers supporting a teenager or young adult with severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging, who is approaching transition to adult services. It will help people understand what to expect from local services.

Briefing for family carers supporting an adult with severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging. It will help people understand what to expect from local services.

Briefing which discusses the barriers currently faced by BME people in accessing dementia care services and some of the ways in which services can become better at responding to the needs of BME people in their locality.