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Regulating the health care workforce: next steps for research
1School of Health and Social Welfare, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
Journal of Health Services Research & Policy
|March 10, 2004
Summary
This study examines professional self-regulation in health care, highlighting the complex UK regulatory environment and the need for research into state-profession relationships and lay involvement. It suggests a new style of public inquiry for health care regulation.
Area of Science:
- Health policy
- Medical ethics
- Professional regulation
Background:
- The UK health care system faces a complex regulatory landscape.
- Professional self-regulation is a key component within this system.
- Recent events and consumer pressure necessitate a re-evaluation of regulatory principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the academic literature on professional self-regulation in health care.
- To identify key themes and propose an agenda for future research.
- To explore the evolving relationship between the state, professions, and patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of academic writing across disciplines.
- Analysis of historical regulatory approaches, such as 'light touch regulation'.
- Examination of consumer-led research and its impact on regulatory principles.
Main Results:
- Professional self-regulation operates within a complex maze of UK health care regulation.
- Historical regulatory logic may inform current debates.
- There is a growing emphasis on consumer perspectives and lay involvement in regulation.
Conclusions:
- Fundamental questions about the scope and aims of professional self-regulation remain unresolved.
- Further research is needed on the state-profession dynamic, new professionalism, lay involvement, and human rights in professional registers.
- A new style of public inquiry may be beneficial for comprehensive regulatory review.