ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the Arrows Framework and discusses current health care policy applying the framework to highlight the potential problems and pitfalls in formulating and implementing the decentralist approach. The policy theme of decentralization is evident across the range of most UK health policy. However, choice is not a uniform policy across the UK and while this consumerist model is most developed within England, in Wales the current emphasis on choice is driven very centrally and focused specifically as a management tool to meet national waiting time targets. The Arrows Framework, and the analysis of UK health policy provides lessons for other countries and non health policy although the nature of inputs, process and outcomes (IPO) configurations, form of decentralisation and nature of individual need will have to be contextualised for the different circumstances.
