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The future management of cancer, cardiology, emergency services and mental health in the UK is set to occur within the context of managed care networks, but little has been published to date on their conceptual and methodological basis. Where, then, is the guidance for those managers and clinicians who are charged with their construction, operation and maintenance? Are there any models that might inform local network development and operation? How do we change an organisation based on institutions into one based on the direct management of patients with diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes? Do we have the technology to enable an individual patient to access his or her health record across a variety of institutions involved in the delivery of care?
The current volume systematically addresses these particular questions and a range of others, tackling key issues of immediate relevance to network development and operation in a direct manner, and one that discusses frankly the range of advantages and disadvantages and also the benefits and opportunities that will be encountered by colleagues charged with operational responsibilities for managed care networks within their organisations.
As such, the book is essential, indeed urgent, reading for all those colleagues currently involved with or likely to become involved with the development and operation of networks; it will prove an invaluable resource also for those colleagues, both managerial and clinical, whose routine work is set to take place within the context of networks during 2002 and beyond. |
