The current divisions in managing prescribing between primary and secondary care in the UK arise from separate budgetary arrangements. These divisions are neither sensible, organisationally efficient nor cost effective. Transition of patients across the interface of primary and secondary care...

The UK National Health Service (NHS) is in the process of further reforms aimed at restoring a national focus to its activities and also at enhancing the quality of the service it provides. Key features are: 1. the formation of primary care groups to replace general practitioner (GP)...

Traditionally, US teaching hospitals have subsidised research by charging higher costs for treatment; however, this approach is being challenged. The growth of managed-care organisations, concerned about maximising profits, has led many to argue that clinical research will be damaged, whether by...