Publications

Anna Dixon questions whether the Outcomes Framework offers a coherent guide to help steer the health service through the more difficult financial times ahead.

The Operating Framework sets out the Department of Health's vision for the NHS, bringing together last year's priorities with the proposals on quality.

John Appleby provides a data analysis of the new PCT allocations, looking at the likely impact, particularly in the context of the wider economic climate.

Draws on a series of working papers and seminars to assesses existing and innovative methods the health service can use to persuade people to live healthier lifestyles.

This briefing focuses on the Mental Health Act 2007 and its policies in relation to England.

Assesses patients' experiences of hospital care and suggests that staff at all levels help to shape that experience. Proposes two initiatives that have the potential to promote compassion in care.

Through in-depth interviews with GPs, hospital and primary care trust staff in four sites, this report assesses the progress of practice-based commissioning (PBC) and identifies the barriers that are limiting success.

How can technology be used to improve care for patients? This report gives examples of how technology could be used and suggests ways to overcome the obstacles to its adoption.

How can we encourage patients to become more engaged in their own health care and what impact will that have on the NHS? This report presents discussions from an expert seminar.

This consultation response focuses on the safety of intrapartum care and draws on the findings of a year-long inquiry into the safety of maternity services in England to make some recommendations.

This update examines how PCTs allocate their spending to different programmes of care, and considers the true effect of the different needs of local populations.

The government is set to empower patients with personal budgets for care, but clear rules must guarantee choices are well informed and cost-effective, say Anna Dixon and Rebecca Ashton

The NHS Next Stage Review outlines a sensible set of measures to transform patient care, but The King's Fund's chief executive Niall Dickson argues that real cultural change will be needed in the health service if the vision is to be translated into reality.

Rachel Turner looks at the rise of healthcare-associated infections across the NHS, including the policies and strategies put in place to combat these infections.

Niall Dickson's BBC Radio 4 Today programme briefing on Darzi, 30 June 2008

The Department of Health commissioned The King's Fund and Loop2 to undertake a simulation-based project to consider the shift in the balance of care from hospital to community settings.

Have the health reforms improved services for patients? An expert working group explores how effective current incentives are and the impact of Lord Darzi's review.

This paper responds to the Department of Health consultation on the framework for the registration of health and adult social care providers.

This report asks whether the polyclinic model will improve the quality and accessibility of health care and deliver cost savings and integrated care.

John Appleby and Ruth Thorlby look at how the birth of the NHS changed maternity care.