Purchasing evidence: the corollary of evidence-based purchasing

The National Health Service (NHS) market led to problems in funding research and development (R&D). The current policy is to resolve these by funding R&D through a national levy on purchasers. The policy does not, however, address the underlying problem that evidence produced by R&D is largely irrelevant to purchasers. The consequences of this policy are likely to be that purchasing will have limited impact in securing health gain most effectively, the progress and impact of R&D will be impaired, and its funding will remain insecure. If R&D and purchasing were integrated each could become more effective. This integration can be fostered through developing the regulation of purchasers and providers within the NHS market.