The ever changing face of health services has been reflected in incessant change in language. Here is a glossary for those who have not kept up.*

An annual meeting of two doctors where one tries hard to prove their case for continuing NHS employment while the other tries even harder not to appear as the judge. Both try harder still to believe it remains an opportunity for reflection and professional development.

A systematic method of measuring performance against benchmarks. ‘Audit reached its apotheosis in the 1980s then faded away like so many fashions, such as shell suits and Bucks Fizz’ (Dr Donna Bedian).

A structured and detailed description of aims, processes, and costs in support of project proposals as demanded by all NHS organisations. The concept has been borrowed from the world of commerce, where its value was so convincingly demonstrated in the economic collapse of 2008.

The placing of contracts with providers of health care without the inconvenience of consulting public health doctors.

A system of bidding for contracts that ensures victory for the agency most adept at completing Byzantine applications.

A body of facts and …