Skills required for healthy commissioning.

There can be no doubt that literature regarding healthcare commissioning is on the increase. In particular, documentation is continuously emerging on the innovative models which have been designed and implemented to secure effective healthcare for the future. However, the literature tends to focus on the processes that have been designed rather than any required changes in human skills and outlook. While this article examines some of the organisational issues surrounding healthcare commissioning, it also covers the changes and demands required of the personnel practising within the purchasing arms of the National Health Service.