Publications

This briefing explores some of the questions and issues relating to practice-based commissioning in England, examines the pace of implementation and offers some analysis of the impact – current and future – on NHS services.

The King's Fund and Commonwealth Fund sponsored a seminar bringing together leading policymakers, clinicians and academics from England and the USA to share experiences.

Just ahead of the political conference season, Niall Dickson reflects on the likely consequences of Sir Derek Wanless's review of NHS funding and performance.

Since the Wanless review of 2002, Securing our Future Health, NHS spending has increased by nearly 50 per cent. Our report looks at where that money has been spent, what it has achieved and whether government policy has promoted effective use of resources.

This briefing analyses and comments on the key proposals contained in the policy document NHS Autonomy and Accountability, which was released by the Conservative party in June 2007.

At the dawn of a new political administration, The King's Fund Chief Executive Niall Dickson examines the issues likely to dominate health debate in the coming months.

What next for the NHS reforms? Based on a simulation event and extensive discussions with stakeholders, this paper offers insights into the health system of the future.

Geraint Lewis and Phyllis Shelton argue that as patients demand more, it is vital to control variation while preserving truly personalised delivery.

Despite receiving widespread support, implementation of practice-based commissioning (PBC) has been slow. This report explores the current situation for PBC and considers how it might be driven forward within the NHS.

Niall Dickson examines the state of the NHS after 10 years of Labour government.

After ten years in power, how successfully has Labour managed health provision in the UK? This briefing is an in-depth look into the issue.

After ten years in power, how successfully has Labour managed health provision in the UK? This briefing sets out the key facts and issues.

This qualitative study explores GPs' views on their role in supporting patient choice at the point of referral, their views on Choose and Book and equity in choice.

This briefing describes the main points contained in the 2006/7 Operating Framework and provides some commentary about what the document implies for the competing strands of NHS reform.

Drawing on evidence from five acute NHS trusts, this paper assesses the impact of the new consultant contract in England and asks whether reforms will translate into benefits for patients.

How much should be spent on social care for older people over the next 20 years, and what funding arrangements are needed? Our report sets out the findings of the Wanless Social Care Review.

Niall Dickson argues that there is now a glimmer of hope that care really can be transformed. But the details of the Wanless report and other recent studies show just how big and deep-rooted the current problems are.

John Appleby analyses new data to reveal how much extra NHS funding is absorbed by higher pay and other cost pressures, and how much is left over for other developments.

How will primary care be affected by the changing role of primary care trusts and the introduction of both practice-based commissioning and competition between providers?

This paper responds to the government's White Paper that aims to redesign community health and social care services.