Let’s face the music and (not) dance

David Frith leads our strategy consultancy work with NHS and third sector organisations.

Tools & templates: Problem structuring

Problem trees and driver diagrams can help you to understand the causes and effects of your problem.

The Potential Economic Impact of Virtual Outpatient Appointments in the West Midlands: A scoping study

The Strategy Unit was recently approached to examine the case for a shift from traditional outpatient services to the use of virtual a

Pre-mortem

The pre-mortem technique was developed by Klein (2007) using ‘prospective hindsight’ to identify risks at the outset of a project.

Evaluation of an Integrated Mental Health Liaison Service (Rapid Assessment Interface and Discharge Service) in Northern Ireland

A high proportion of patients treated for physical health conditions also have co-morbid mental health problems; and there is growing acceptance of

The Status of Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems in the West Midlands

Commissioned by NHS England, this report describes the state of electronic palliative care coordination systems in the West Midlands.

Lessons from the Vanguard: Innovation and Evaluation

The problems facing health and care services are so well known as to be documented in the media most days.

Tools & templates: Other points of view

Use Edward deBono’s ‘Six Thinking Hats’ or consider a wider point of view, to approach a problem or potential solution from different perspectives.

Lessons from the Vanguard: Procurement

Evaluation of the Dudley New Care Models Programme

This is the final system-wide report from the evaluation.

Tools & templates: Breaking the rules

Generate new ideas to solve a problem – by identifying the underlying assumptions, unwritten rules and thinking that maintain the status quo.

Tools & Templates: Five Whys

Keep asking ‘why’ to peel back the layers of your problem, until you identify a potential root cause.

Do you like to integrate horizontally or vertically? NHS positions examined

Our latest research paper explores the impact of the different options for integration implemented as a result of the Transforming Community Services policy in 2010. This accompanying commentary reflects on potential implications for the current policy drive towards Integrated Care Systems.

Horizontal or Vertical: Which way to integrate?

In 2011, Primary Care Trusts faced a difficult choice. The Transforming Community Services policy required a complete break of commissioner and provider functions. But what should PCTs do with the community health services they delivered; vertically integrate with an acute trust, horizontally integrate with a mental health trust, or set up a stand-alone community trust or Community Interest Company? Seven years on, this report explores the impact this choice had on the level and growth in emergency hospital use in older people and considers the wider implications for the NHS as it develops new models of care and integrated care systems

Palliative and End of Life Care Report for Children and Young People

Commissioned by NHS England, this report describes the the characteristics and levels of resource required by children and young people (CYP) (0-25

Evaluation of the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) pilot

As a concept, patient ‘activation’ holds promise; evidence suggests an enhanced ability to self-manage long-term conditions (LTCs) and an associate

Evaluation of patient reported measures pilot

There is wide consensus that the NHS needs to generate and act upon more patient reported data on outcomes and experience.

Scenario planning – an antidote to the false certainties of forecasts and grand plans

The resurgence of uncertainty

Scenario planning – an antidote to the false certainties of forecasts and grand plans

The resurgence of uncertainty