Commissioning and GPs: to commit[tee] or not?

Abstract

Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), part of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) since April 2013, are complex organizations requiring buy-in by GPs for strategic success. CCG budgetary deficits and lack of sustained engagement by GPs are a problem. This paper utilizes evidence of GP experience in commissioning models to determine the factors that may influence engagement in the governance of CCGs by GPs, which is crucial if clinically-led commissioning is to be part of a financially sustainable NHS.

Keywords:

• Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)
• governance
• NHS

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank CIPFA for the financial support received through the Public Services Special Interest Group of the British Accounting and Finance Association and Professor Chris Cowton for his support and advice.