The link between good HR practice and mortality rates has a catch

Published: 07/03/2002, Volume II2, No. 5795 Page 19

'Better management, better health' used to be the NHS manager's motto. But probably few dreamt that the truth of it would ever be demonstrated in so literal a way.

Researchers at Aston Business School have found a 'strong relationship' between good human resources practice and mortality rates in acute hospitals. They go as far as to say that HR practice predicts subsequent patient mortality.

The implications for NHS managers could be profound. Public perceptions of their role might alter drastically if managers could cite scientific evidence indicating so direct an influence on health outcomes. Those tedious insults about 'grey suits' and worthless bureaucrats would be a thing of the past. And what a powerful lever managers would have in discussions with doctors about changing service provision.

But such stark links would bring even more onerous and transparent responsibilities than NHS managers shoulder already. Anything less than accepted best practice would be seen to be putting lives at risk. Who would be the shroud-wavers then?