BMJ 1998;317:95-96 ( 11 July )

Editorials

Quality to the fore in health policy---at last

But the NHS mustn't encourage quality improvement with punitive approaches

News p 97

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

In its own words, the consultation document on quality in the English NHS sets out a formidable agenda for change. Nevertheless, it constitutes a major advance, putting quality improvement at the heart of the service.1 The proposals describe a national approach that encompasses the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE); the Commission for Health Improvement (CHIMP); national frameworks in key disease areas; the previously described performance management framework, with indicators relevant to NHS priorities; and a national patient survey. Locally, implementation and monitoring will be delivered through clinical governance, supported by national and local systems for lifelong learning, and reviewed systems of professional self regulation. Do all these elements add up to a coherent approach?

The national institute will appraise evidence and develop and disseminate guidance and audit methods. It will coordinate or take over current activities such as guideline development and effectiveness bulletins. This is desperately needed because the . . . [Full text of this article]
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This article has been cited by other articles:

  • Campbell, S M, Sheaff, R, Sibbald, B, Marshall, M N, Pickard, S, Gask, L, Halliwell, S, Rogers, A, Roland, M O (2002). Implementing clinical governance in English primary care groups/trusts: reconciling quality improvement and quality assurance. Qual Saf Health Care 11: 9-14 [Abstract] [Full text]  
  • BAUCHNER, H., SIMPSON, L., CHESSARE, J. (2001). Changing physician behaviour. Arch. Dis. Child. 84: 459-462 [Full text]  
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