摘要: The 1980s and 90s have seen the proliferation of all forms performance indicators as part attempts to command control health services. latest area receive attention is outcomes. Published league tables mortality other outcomes been available in United States for some time Scotland since early 1990s; they now developed England Wales. Publication these data has proceeded despite warnings their limited meaningfulness usefulness. come ask whether remedy worse than malady: are published contributing quality efforts or subverting more constructive approaches? This paper argues that force improvements through publishing can be counterproductive, outlines an alternative approach which involves fostering greater trust professionalism a basis enhancements.