Nice lessons to be learned

This study examined users' perceptions of the role and value of the Scottis h Health Purchasing information Centre (SHPIC) from 1995 to 1998. Methods: Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data from Scotti sh GP fundholders and health board managers at two stages, Results: Initially, purchasers sought help in identifying the most relevant information. By 1997, while some appreciated the clinical and cost-effecti veness information produced, others were critical of lack of timely product ion and apparent lack of cooperation between agencies. Conclusions: New U.K. agencies can learn from SHPIC's problems, specificall y in producing clear, coordinated, timely, independent, and well-marketed i nformation with implementation strategies. policy Implications: It is impor tant to evaluate the impact of agencies to produce and disseminate evidence -based information, even if this has to be done pragmatically rather than a s an outcomes-based assessment. Evidence from evaluations can inform direct ion and strategy for existing and new agencies.