Evidence synthesis

We are collecting and synthesising research on commissioning in the UK and other countries.

This project is essentially a literature review of the field. It builds on an existing review of research, funded by the NHS Service Delivery and Organisation (SDO) programme. We are also planning seminars bringing together researchers and Department of Health officials.

We expect to deliver an internationally respected database and analysis of existing research in this field.

Clinical engagement in primary care-led commissioning: a review of the evidence

This review presents evidence on the role of clinical engagement in primary care-led commissioning and how this has contributed to the delivery of health care services. The main aim was to examine the nature of clinical engagement / involvement in the various primary care-led commissioning models that were introduced into the National Health Service (NHS) since 1991. The review forms part of a suite of research being undertaken by the Policy Research Unit in Commissioning and the Healthcare System and presents evidence to inform and support the Department of Health’s policy on commissioning. The focus of the review was agreed with the Department in April 2011 in response to proposals for developing General Practitioner (GP) consortia as defined in Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS (DH 2010).