Planning and managing primary care services: lessons from the NHS in England

Abstract

High-quality primary care services are an essential part of a successful health service. However, the planning and management of such services is complex. Using evidence from a study of recent extensive changes in the English NHS, the authors highlight the need for local service oversight by managers who understand local conditions and needs. The recent English experience supports an incremental policy adjustment approach, rather than wholesale organizational change.

Keywords:

• Commissioning
• complexity
• path dependency
• policy incrementalism
• primary care

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kath Checkland

Kath Checkland is a Professor of Health Policy & Primary Care, Health Policy, Politics & Organisation Research Group (HiPPO), Centre for Primary Care, University of Manchester, UK.

Imelda McDermott

Imelda McDermott is a Research Fellow at HiPPO, University of Manchester, UK.

Anna Coleman

Anna Coleman is a Senior Research Fellow at HiPPO, University of Manchester, UK.

Lynsey Warwick-Giles

Lynsey Warwick-Giles is a Research Associate at HiPPO, University of Manchester, UK.

Donna Bramwell

Donna Bramwell is an Honorary Research Associate at HiPPO, University of Manchester, UK.

Pauline Allen

Pauline Allen is a Professor of Health Services Organisation and Head of the Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK.

Stephen Peckham

Stephen Peckham is a Professor of Health Policy, Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, UK.