title: Current national initiatives and policies to control drug costs in Europe: UK perspective.
abstract: Healthcare represents a significant proportion of UK government expenditure leading to the introduction of a number of reforms to contain costs while improving the quality and efficiency of care. Equity is also a core principle. These objectives have led to the institution of a number of central initiatives including National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), and the National Service Frameworks (NSFs). NICE has met with variable success, with a number of activities and measures proposed to enhance its contribution. Other measures recently instituted to improve quality and efficiency include risk sharing arrangements, prescribing incentive schemes coupled with academic detailing, and outcome guarantee schemes. Ongoing reforms will continue with an aging population and pressure on resources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. martin@theduerdens.co.uk
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duerden
authors.forename: Narinder
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gogna
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Godman
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Eden
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mallinson
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D003363:Cost Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016527:Drug Costs; D005060:Europe; D018166:Health Care Reform; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D006113:United Kingdom