· The Health Foundation in London practices a pragmatic and
sensible thought leadership. They base their knowledge around programs of work,
linked the more academic reviews. They share knowledge very well and a great
example is their work on Self Managements where all the materials can be
accessed, free of charge, including train the trainer packs. They take on new ideas and put them to work
in programs. They are prepared to take risks and their work is subject to
evaluation – which is also shared. They
are a charity so have no need to sell – and this shows.
· The Kings Fund, London, is a traditional thought leader for healthcare.
They’ve moved into blogs and videos, and other social media platforms such as
Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, as a means to share their news and views – and to
help others connect. They are best loved for the discussions they hold. These
are tough questions with a wide range of people taking part. They empower thought
leadership in others, which is very magnanimous of them.
· The Nuffield Trust is another UK based organisation which is a
thought leader, in a fairly tightly packed thought leadership arena. They are
probably best known for their sharp and necessary evaluations and reviews of
policies and programs. They are trusted because they are independent and not in
anyone’s funding pocket. They do blogs, publications, videos and some excellent
charts.
· The Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston.
This is a well-known organisation for its work in developing strategies
for improvement and in bringing together groups of interested people to share.
Like any organisation, they have something to sell. However, they are quick to
share new ideas in white papers and make many of their materials available to
anyone, free of charge. (excepting their conferences which are notoriously
expensive).
i The other articles in this series are:
