GP-Consultant Exchange Programme: an observational study from Wessex.

Conference:

SAPC ASM 2019 - Exeter

Talk Code:

P2.44

Presenter:

Dr Pritti Aggarwal

Co-authors:

Dr Adam Fraser, Dr Sally Ross

Author institutions:

Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group Board Member, UK, Primary Medical Care Module Lead, University of Southampton, UK, GP Partner, Living Well Partnership, Southampton, UK,GP Partner, Bridges Medical Practice, Weymouth, UK, Dorset Programme Director, Bournemouth University, UK, NHSE GP Clinical Advisor, GP Facilitator for Wessex, Clinical Lead for Portsmouth CCG, UK, Sessional GP

Problem

Collaborative working across primary and secondary care is crucial to providing quality care. Our aim was to improve professional understanding, foster deeper partnership, ignite opportunities for innovation and quality improvement (QI) with co-owned local solutions.

Approach

In this GP-Consultant exchange programme, over 200 Consultants and GPs were paired over Wessex to enhance working relationships. Pairs hosted and visited each other’s workplace. Participants completed a questionnaire. Submitted anonymous reflections were analysed for common themes. A celebration of the shared learning took place. Emphasis was on local solutions, compassionate leadership and next steps.

Findings

Feedback obtained from 71(60%) participants was scaled from 1 (least likely) to 6 (most likely). In breaking barriers, individuals supported a regular primary-secondary care forum; weighted average score of 5.25, found the scheme useful (4.59), likely to take part again (4.83), consider new ways of working consequent to building better relationships (3.85). We observed sharing directories of primary care secretary contacts and restructuring of outpatient clinic letters to state “For Information Only” or “GP Action Required” resulting in substantial time and cost savings. Exchanges improved morale and insight. Common themes from reflections revolved around compassion, collaboration, complexity, efficiency and education.

Consequences

This scheme was an easy and enjoyable way to reconnect individuals and allowed professionals to learn about challenges faced within the NHS. As QI activity, the scheme resulted in local solutions for patients. A low-cost intervention that can be replicated within any organisation/profession in the NHS. It needs a motivated and persistent individual to drive the project forward.

Submitted by:

Pritti Aggarwal

Funding acknowledgement:

Southampton City CCG Thames Valley and Wessex Leadership Academy