Nice lessons to be learned.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined users' perceptions of the role and value of the Scottish Health Purchasing Information Centre (SHPIC) from 1995 to 1998.


METHODS
Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data from Scottish GP fundholders and health board managers at two stages.


RESULTS
Initially, purchasers sought help in identifying the most relevant information. By 1997, while some appreciated the clinical and cost-effectiveness information produced, others were critical of lack of timely production and apparent lack of cooperation between agencies.


CONCLUSIONS
New U.K. agencies can learn from SHPIC's problems, specifically in producing clear, coordinated, timely, independent, and well-marketed information with implementation strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to evaluate the impact of agencies to produce and disseminate evidence-based information, even if this has to be done pragmatically rather than as an outcomes-based assessment. Evidence from evaluations can inform direction and strategy for existing and new agencies.
Farmer
J
J
University of Aberdeen.
Chesson
R
R
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006077:Government Agencies; D006801:Humans; D007253:Information Centers; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*