01.04.15
Commissioning for value with integrated care pathways packs
Source: NHE March/ April 15
David Stevenson reports on new tailored support for CCGs.
NHS England has launched a new Integrated Care Pathways pack to demonstrate to CCGs the extent to which complex patients use resources across programmes of care and the urgent care system.
The latest in a series of ‘commissioning for value’ support packs for CCGs, the documents will “support discussions” about prioritising areas for change and utilising resources, and will help local leaders make improvements in healthcare quality, outcomes and efficiency.
The commissioning for value work programme started during 2013-14 in response to requests from CCGs that they would like support to help identify the opportunities for change with most impact.
NHS England said: “[The programme] is committed to giving CCGs and NHS England in the regions practical support in gathering data, evidence and tools to help them transform the way care is delivered for their patients and populations.
“By providing the commissioning system with data, evidence, tools and practical support around spend, outcomes and quality, the commissioning for value programme can help clinicians and commissioners transform the way care is delivered for their patients and populations.”
Commissioning for value is not intended to be a prescriptive approach for commissioners, but the latest Integrated Care Pathways packs are aimed at supporting the vision set out in the recent Five Year Forward View.
The latest packs, which have been customised for CCGs in their regions, have suggested that commissioners should identify the priority programmes and complex patients in their locality and compare them with current reform activity and improvement plans.
Additionally, CCGs are advised to engage with clinicians and other local stakeholders, including public health teams in local authorities and commissioning support organisations to develop future care pathways.
NHS England said the information would be of particular interest to CCG clinical and management leads; NHS England regional team leads; and commissioning support teams who are helping CCGs with this work.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]