Despite a global recession and cutbacks in health services affecting all areas of the UK, one thing clinicians do not appear to be short of is guidance. Last year saw the release of yet another government White Paper, Equity and Excellence: liberating the NHS (Department of Health [DH], 2010a), which outlines plans to shape the NHS into a measurable and cost-efficient service by putting patients first and improving how clinicians deliver services. It also highlights the need to provide measurable outcomes while making efficiency savings.
