Rapid evaluation in health care 2026

The Rapid evaluation conference, organised by the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation's Improvement Analytics Unit, will take place on Wednesday 13 May 2026 at the British Medical Association. 

Now in its eighth year, the conference will bring together representatives from the rapid evaluation community, including analysts, evaluators, service users, policy makers, commissioners and local decision makers to explore the role of rapid evaluation in a changing health and social care landscape. ​

As the NHS and social care system enter a period of significant change to its structures and ambitions, in line with the shifts signalled in the 10-Year Plan, the demands on rapid evaluation are shifting. ​Political and commissioning pressures for swift action continue to grow, yet the need for robust, timely evidence across health and care has never been greater. Rapid evaluation can play a vital role in guiding decision-making during periods of uncertainty, but it may also be perceived as slowing momentum at a time when systems and services are eager to move forward.

Join us to discuss current and future challenges, engage in new thinking and develop ideas that can help improve systems and processes.