title: A critical commentary on management science in relation to reforms after institutional National Health Service failures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A discussion paper on the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) market reforms.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NHS market reforms reliance on management science methods introduced a fundamental shift in measuring care for commissioning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A number of key reports are discussed in relation to NHS market reforms and management science.
  
  
  RESULTS
  NHS market reforms were influenced through a close alliance between policy makers, the department of health, free market think tanks and management consultancies. The timing of reforms coincided with reports on NHS failings and the evolution of measurement methods to focus on finance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The balance in favour of measurement practises is of concern. Management science methods are criticised in the Francis Report yet promoted as the solution to some of the key findings; why may be explained by the close alliance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A return to principles of management involving consensus, trust and involvement to promote quality care and use management science methods to this end.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Caring Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Regan
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Social Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ball
mesh_terms: D018166:Health Care Reform; D019981:Health Care Sector; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: NHS market reforms; leadership and management; management science