Research report
1 Jan 2003
ISBN:
1902089766
Area of work:
Evaluation

The number of inquiries into failures of care in the NHS has increased markedly in recent years. The early inquiries date back to the late 1960s and the consistent patterns of failure, which have been revealed over more than 3 decades, are striking. They raise major challenges for public policy and for the protection of individuals in public care.

This paper asks questions about the purposes of inquiries and evaluates the way in which they are carried out, arguing that it is vital to examine the way in which we conduct them.

Summary

This report explores the use of inquiries in the NHS. It presents an overview of their history and development; describes their purposes and how and why they are set up; discusses the models, methods and processes that inquiries use; and reviews how their findings and recommendations are used.

The report concludes by outlining some lessons for policymakers and other stakeholders in the NHS, which might inform the design and conduct of future inquiries and further research in the area.

From the Committee of Enquiry into the allegations of abuse and ill treatment of long-stay patients at Ely Hospital in Cardiff in 1967 to the Public Enquiry into the treatment of patients by Dr Harold Shipman in 2001 this report is a fascinating study of inquiries, their type, nature, cost and effect in shaping health policy change. It is essential reading for those interested in the developing area of regulation of health care.

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