Conceptual framework for clinical and general management

The UK has more than five years experience of the introduction of patient based management information systems into acute hospitals. These systems support the measurement of activity, process of care and cost of care allowing linkage of management processes of the hospital to direct treatment and care of individual patients. An implicit 'product' model for acute hospital care underlies these systems. When considering the management information needs of community health providers, the limitations of this model became apparent and highlighted the need for a more general model. The paper suggests such a model, not only appropriate for community care but also a better model for hospital services.