The Putting commissioning into practice report examines whether practice based commissioning (PBC) is working from a financial management perspective.
Under PBC, clinical and financial responsibility is being aligned. Primary Care Trusts continue to be legally responsible for finances and contracting with providers, the overall commissioning strategy and for the implementation of PBC. But, by devolving indicative budgets to practices that treat and refer patients, GPs and other primary care professionals are being encouraged to manage referrals and to commission and redesign services in a way that is more cost-effective and convenient for patients.
Good financial management is critical to the success of PBC and requires that resources are properly aligned with an organisation's strategic objectives
The findings of the 16 Primary Care Trusts visited by the Audit Commission can be read in the report, as well as:
- barriers to effective implementation of PBC
- includes case study examples of solutions and notable practice
- recommendations and prospects for the future