Bringing clinicians together across the interface

In Dumfries and Galloway, the Interface Group has been working to support colleagues across primary and secondary care better understand each other’s pressures, constraints and day to day realities. The group identified that improving mutual understanding will strengthen relationships and improve how care is delivered across the interface.  

To support this, the Interface Group introduced a new ‘primary care’ session for new consultants. As part of their induction, every new consultant now shadows a session in primary care, giving them first hand insight into the work of their GP colleagues. Those who have taken part so far have praised the experience. New consultants are also invited to give a presentation to GPs. This serves as an ‘introduction’ to other clinicians.

Other initiatives implemented by the interface team include GP attendance at Surgical Morbidity and Mortality meetings, the development of a dispute resolution framework, and work to encourage discharge letter and referral letter feedback. The group has also recently launched an Interface Policy Document, detailed in a separate case study. This is a key part of clarifying roles and responsibilities at the interface. 

For more information on this case study, please contact scotland.interface@rcgp.org.uk