Modelling

Predictive risk models are used to predict such potentially avoidable and costly events as unplanned hospital admissions. They form a key element in wider strategies to address chronic illness. DH has made it clear that it does not intend to commission updates to the Patients at Risk of Re-hospitalisation tool (PARR++) or the Combined Predictive Model, so the Nuffield Trust has stepped into the breach and offers a guide to help commissioners choose appropriate models.

At arm's length

Ahead of the long-awaited reporting from the UK Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) telehealth projects, Audit Scotland provides a review of the issues and looks at programmes north of the border. There's some compelling evidence on the use of telehealth to avoid hospital admissions for people with COPD. The King's Fund has published the third in a series of papers on the experience of implementing telecare and telehealth across the 12 WSD Action Network sites, which takes a more cautious view of the options for implementing telecare nationally. According to the King's Fund, significant cultural and organisational barriers may present more of a challenge than the development of the technology. Meanwhile the Good Governance Institute takes a much more bullish approach, although, like the King's Fund report, does suggest that this will only work if accompanied by systemic change.

Clash of the Titans

GP Online offers a useful summary of current guidance for GP commissioners on conflicts of interest. The Health and Social Care Bill makes it clear that CCGs must deal effectively with conflicts of interest, but so far, no guidance has been forthcoming from DH. This article summarises that provided by RCGP and BMA. RCGP has also produced guidance on ethical issues in commissioning.

Feel the benefit

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a useful-looking guide on the benefits system for GPs and other healthcare professionals and there's also further guidance on their website.

May contain ...

How consumers/patients respond to labelling foods with "may contain" warnings is the subject of a qualitative study in BMC Public Health. A study from the US suggests that consumers' self reported attention to nutrition labelling doesn't match the reality. Published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the study used an eye-tracking device to measure behaviour, particularly considering label positioning. Closer to home, the Coeliac Society offers commissioners some guidance on community pharmacy supply of gluten free foods.