Incentives for Research in the NHS
A major focus of the recommendations of the
Research for Patient Benefit Working Party was the need to develop
incentives to conduct research in the NHS. This is an important
element of all areas of UKCRC work.
The UK Health Departments continue to
implement many of the changes necessary to incentivise research in
the NHS. The nature of the challenge differs across each of the
four nations and problems in one country many not be an issue in
another. The overarching aim is to develop both individual and
institutional incentives for research. This includes the following
specific activities:
- After discussions with the Advisory Committee on Clinical
Excellence Awards (ACCEA), changes have been made to the
criteria for assessment. Academic activity by
clinicians can now be appropriately rewarded via these Awards, and
efforts are underway to include R&D within GP QOF points in the
next round of GP contracts in England.
- The Department of Health in England is working with the
Healthcare Commission to explore opportunities for using existing
research metrics to inform performance assessments
of healthcare inspectorates.
- Discussions between the Welsh Assembly and the Health
Directorate Wales are underway to incorporate clinical research
criteria in the Healthcare Standards for
Wales.