J Health Serv Res Policy April 2016 vol. 21 no. 2 126-133
- Analysis of 218 published papers (published 1991 to 2010) by researchers from the Centre for Primary Care, University of Manchester concludes that there is limited evidence for a significant impact of clinical engagement on commissioning outcomes. While engagement of GP members of primary care commissioning organizations is an important determinant of progress, it generates significant transaction costs.
- Research highlighted both 'virtuous cycles’ (experience of being able to make changes feeding back to encourage greater engagement) and ‘vicious cycles’ (failure to influence services generating disengagement).
- Engagement of the wider GP membership was an important determinant of success. Most impact was seen in GP prescribing and the establishment of services in general practices. There was little evidence of GPs engaging more widely with public health issues. Initial changes are likely to be small scale and to focus on services in primary care.
