Find inspiration from what others have done
Some of these ideas may not work for you or your systems of working. Others may be just what you are looking for! You may find a clue to what you need, but aren't quite sure how to 'make it happen’. Some contributors have kindly agreed to share their contact details – you can get in touch with them and find out what the short-cuts were.
Tell us your examples of innovation or good practice by completing our short form. Examples could include new ways of working, adoption of technology or the use of data analytics.
We would like to hear from General Practices, Primary Care Networks, Federations, Integrated Care Systems and Innovation Networks.
What happens next
Your submission will be reviewed by the Research and Innovation Team at RCGP to ensure suitability (e.g. information completeness, potential to replicate/ adapt elsewhere, information on benefits, outcomes and impact), to add to our website. We may be in touch if we have any questions related to your submission and next steps.
We have 55,000 members in our College - between us, we can find solutions to many of the problems we are facing. Help us by sharing your bright ideas!
Case studies: Workload
Here, we promote examples of good practice and innovation in managing workload.
FutureNHS is an online platform for everyone working in health and care to share good practice and innovation, and support collaboration. This website provides a wealth of good practice and innovation sharing, through a network of workspaces, online communities and working groups.
The key workspaces relating to general practice and streamlining workload are:
- Primary Care Home
- Digital Primary Care
- Primary Care Workforce
- PCNs and Practices Support Hub
- Primary Care Improvement Connect
The NHS Confederation brings together, supports and speaks for the whole healthcare system. Its website includes the sharing of good practice and innovation relating to streamlining workload in a general practice setting.
You can also use the Confederation's networks, including its Primary Care Network, to share innovation in reducing workload and maximising workforce.
Redmoor Health provides the Digital Journey Planner in partnership with NHS England to help practices maximise their digital capabilities. This online assessment tool helps practices to improve services for patients and efficiencies across the practice team.
GP workload can be reduced via the maximisation of digital patient information management, especially in regard to electronic prescribing and electronic repeat dispensing The Digital Journey Planner Foundation level is provided at no cost to practices in England.
This PCN has designed and implemented an innovative population health management approach to achieve significant streamlining of workload.
They have successfully developed a collaborative digital workforce tool to optimise workforce and appointment capacity.
This PCN has designed and implemented innovative centralised services, to achieve improvements in patient access to services and reduce GP workload.
A centralised PCN level care home team deliver to this PCN's Enhanced Health in Care Homes service requirements. A number of resources were developed for their external MDT colleagues to use.
Visit the Preston Park care home resources
A centralised PCN level Digital Ambassador Service works directly with patients to increase the use of the NHS App which reduces workload for GPs and their practice staff. A number of resources were developed for patients and practices to use.
Case studies: Workforce
Here, we promote case studies around improvements made in workforce retention.
Devon Integrated Care Board provides an innovative programme of support for GPs aimed at identifying and supporting doctors under stress before their health or performance suffers.
GP appraisers are encouraged to explore wellbeing with their appraisees, and have been provided with the training, guidance and resources to do this in a sensitive and supportive way.
This PCN Federation works at a place level providing an innovative wellbeing programme for practice staff. The programme was designed by a GP and delivers a unique space for mindfulness and self-care.
For any queries, please contact the research and innovation team.
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