Publications

The short term hotchpot of measures taken by the government does nothing to stem the growing pressures on social care, says Richard Humphries.

The current fragmented system of commissioning is clearly unsustainable. While the idea of integrated commissioning is an old one, the approach to achieving it must be decidedly new, writes Lillie Wenzel.

This edition of Public Finance Perspectives explores the strategies needed to align and integrate local public services across traditional organisational boundaries. In his essay, Chris Ham argues that health payment systems are not fit for the purpose of providing integrated, patient-centred care.

Richard Humphries reviews recent policy initiatives to achieve the closer integration of health and social care.

We speak to Tim Kelsey, National Director for Patients and Information at NHS England, about the role of technology in improving care.

As the post-election dust settles, the Queen’s speech confirms that the integration of health and social care continues as a headline policy commitment, with the better care fund and ‘DevoManc’ as flagship policies intended to make this happen. But will they be enough?

Rather than prescribe a one size fits all solution, an approach agreed locally by CCGs and local authorities is the best way forward for integrated care, says Richard Humphries.

The experience of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the US offers lessons for the NHS about some of the ingredients needed to improve population health, says Hugh Alderwick.

Social care for older people will be increasingly important as our population ages. So why the silence from politicians?

We speak to writer Nicci Gerrard about her father's hospital care, and her campaign – John's Campaign – that calls for the families and carers of people with dementia to be allowed to remain with them in hospital for as many hours of the day and night as necessary.

Hugh Alderwick and Chris Naylor discuss provider-led approaches to integration.

Whilst there is now broad consensus across the political and policy firmament that integration is the right direction of travel, past progress and future prospects are beset with obstacles arising from differences in the organisation, funding, governance, accountability and modus operandi of the two systems.

Politicians must look for evidence-based solutions and avoid the NHS becoming a political football, says Chris Ham.

Individual episodes of care may be excellent but too often continuity and co-ordination are lacking, says Chris Ham.

The challenges for commissioners and providers of telecare and telehealth have never been so great, but there are some exciting fresh opportunities to be considered.

Recently published trials on telehealth monitoring in heart failure

We look at three types of technology: telephone, internet and videoconferencing, and consider how they could be used for or by children and adolescents across a variety of conditions.

Mike Clark describes the programme, set up by Kent County Council, to help 250 people with long-term conditions to live independently using telehealth.

The King's Fund and Doctors.net.uk have commissioned a survey to find out how doctors feel about the plans set out in the coalition government's health White Paper.

This article focuses on evidence about older people’s perceptions and use of telecare, telehealth and telemedicine interventions.