International innovations in health care: quality improvements in the United Kingdom.

Starting in 1997, the United Kingdom has introduced a series of interdependent legislative and regulatory reforms to improve access, treatment, and administration in the National Health Service (NHS)--attracting worldwide attention in the process. The NHS quality agenda involves a centrally coordinated program, defined quality targets, public reporting, enhanced incentives for stakeholders, improved information technology, and increased financial support. These efforts so far seem to be improving care in a country that suffered from a long list of serious health care problems.