Briefing / Payment by results pathways tariff

Payment by results (PBR) is an established part of the NHS financial landscape. Since its introduction in the
English NHS in 2003/04, it has not stood still but has evolved significantly. It has expanded in scope, with plans for a further major expansion into areas such as mental health, and it has changed in approach.

This briefing looks at what tariffs focused on pathways of care, rather than what hospitals do in isolation, could look like, the pros and cons of such an approach, and how they fit with and work alongside existing tariffs.