Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
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Independent healthcare, most of it NHS-funded, provides a significant and growing proportion of inpatient mental healthcare in the UK, but information about patients in these providers is limited. This paper examines differences in the profiles of mental health inpatients in NHS and independent providers in England and Wales, and assesses whether current information systems are adequate for monitoring patient flows and care, given the plurality of service provision. DESIGN DATA: from the national censuses of inpatients in mental health services in England and Wales in 2006 and 2007 were analysed to examine differences in demographic and other characteristics between inpatients in NHS and independent providers. ⋯ This analysis highlights differences between inpatients in NHS and independent providers of mental health services. We also highlight the inadequacy of current information systems for monitoring care, and the urgent need for standardized data across all NHS-commissioned mental healthcare, irrespective of whether it is publicly or privately provided. This is especially important in view of the increases in independent sector provision, and the specialist nature of their services. Such information is critical for commissioners, regulators of health and social care, and other audiences for monitoring patient flows, the quality of care provided, usage of the Mental Health Act 2007 and compliance with equality legislation.
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Historical Article
Pellagra and the blues song 'Cornbread, meat and black molasses'.
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Biography Historical Article
Joseph Goldberger's research on the prevention of pellagra.