From intelligence to evidence-based healthcare: a purchasing odyssey

Area of Science:

• Health management
• Organizational development
• Information science

Background:

• The NHS Executive's 1991 guidance on Purchasing Intelligence spurred the creation of specialized facilities.
• These facilities are primarily staffed by health librarians, focusing on developing purchasing intelligence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine purchasing organizations in light of organizational development theories.
• To identify key information management issues within these organizations.
• To explore the broader cultural impact of 'intelligence' beyond dedicated facilities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of purchasing organizations against popular organizational development theories.
• Utilizing results from two surveys conducted in March 1995.
• Identifying information management issues related to structure, tasks, technology, and people.

Main Results:

• Many purchasing authorities exhibit characteristics of Handy's Task culture.
• Key information management challenges were identified across structure, tasks, technology, and personnel.
• The study highlights the necessity for all staff in purchasing authorities to acquire information transformation skills.

Conclusions:

• The concept of 'intelligence' has a significant impact on organizational culture.
• Effective information management is crucial for the success of purchasing intelligence facilities.
• Intelligence officers need to adapt and develop new skills, akin to a modern-day Odysseus, to ensure the survival and thriving of these facilities.