Studies

From time to time the Healthcare Commission carries out ad hoc studies of the performance of NHS trusts and independent healthcare providers in selected areas, using a variety of approaches. This section contains information about such studies.

Engaging patients and the public in healthcare

Between April 2008 and March 2009 we are planning to undertake a national study of how healthcare organisations engage patients and the public.

More information about our study of how healthcare organisations engage patients and the public

The role and management of community first responders

Findings from a national survey of ambulance services in England

More information about our study of the role and management of community first responders

Audit of equalities publications

We have carried out two audits of trusts’ websites, first in 2006 and again in 2007, to see whether trusts have published the information required by the specific duties of equalities legislation. The original audit concentrated on race equality schemes; the most recent audit also looks at disability equality schemes.

More information about our audit of equalities publications

Dignity in care

This study, carried out in Spring 2007, looks at whether hospitals are complying with standards relating to dignity in care, including those covering basic needs such as nutrition.

More information about our review of dignity in care

Improving how the NHS deals with complaints

We are currently carrying out an audit to assess how well NHS trusts deal with patients’ complaints about their healthcare services.

More about our audit of NHS complaints handling

Audit of learning disabilities services

Information about our national audit of learning disabilities services, carried out in the early part of 2007. (Audit report to be published in Autumn 2007.)

More about our audit of learning disabilities services

Healthcare associated infection

Findings from a national study in 2006 of NHS acute trusts into what might drive improvements in performance on healthcare associated infection. Published in July 2007.

More about the national study of healthcare associated infection

Isle of Man study

A study which we conducted to assist the Isle of Man’s Department of Health and Social Security to assess the healthcare they deliver and commission for the Island’s population. Published in August 2006.

Review of healthcare provided by Noble's Hospital - Isle of Man (pdf 887kb) (opens new window)

Study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A national study of the care and treatment available for people with COPD in England,  which we carried out in 2005 as a wider programme of work focusing on services for people with long term conditions or chronic disease. Published in June 2006.

More about the National Study of COPD

Tackling child obesity

Report of a joint study by the Healthcare Commission, the National Audit Office and the Audit Commission. Published in February 2006.

Tackling Child Obesity - First Steps (pdf 1544kb) (opens new window)

Management, prevention and surveilance of Clostridium difficile

Interim findings from a national survey of NHS acute trusts in England. Published in December 2005.

Management, prevention and surveillance of Clostridium difficile - Interim findings from a national survey of NHS acute trusts in England (pdf 134kb) (opens new window)

Clostridium difficile questionnaire (pdf 95kb) (opens new window)

A snapshot of hospital cleanliness in England

Findings from the Healthcare Commission's rapid inspection programme. Published in December 2005.

A snapshot of hospital cleanliness in England (pdf 751kb) (opens new window)

Full results by hospital (pdf 40kb) (opens new window)

Foundation trust review

Information on the foundation trusts review, which was carried out by the Healthcare Commission and published in July 2005.

More information about our study of foundation trusts

National Study – Older people mental health services

More information about our study of older people mental health services

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