Combined ICB

Design & Deployment of PCN Hubs

Summary
With the introduction of the Primary Care Networks (PCN) a ICB tasked us to look at ways of digitally supporting the PCNs with their new models of working. We developed a programme that looked at how the GP practices currently worked and what their capabilities were and their vision for the PCNs. We designed a digital blueprint that was implemented across the CCG.

A clinician with a computer

Aims/Objectives
-Understand the PCNs requirements and capabilities currently.
-Develop a roadmap for the PCN over the next coming years.
-Design and deliver and implement the PCN digital requirements.
-Report on delivered PCN requirements.

What did we do?
We developed a discovery questionnaire to understand the capabilities of the current GP practices and what the vision was for their PCN. A discovery report was created for the PCN showing a blueprint of how the PCN can work which included impact, change and a road map for the current and future vision, this was workshopped and agreed with the PCN. Implementation of the hub was delivered, for example, SystmOne GP unit was setup as a hub enabling functionality such as, electronic referral, pathology auto forwarding, remote booking and patient record access using shared admin this included a full implementation cycle including business change, configuration, training and support.

What was the context / background?
A PCN consists of groups of general practices working together with a range of local providers, across primary care, community services, social care and the voluntary sector, to offer more personalised, co-ordinated health and social care package to their local populations of 30-50,000 patients.

How was it organised and who was involved?
We worked with GP Practices, PCNs, clinical leads, ICB Leads, CSU GP Leads and Software Suppliers.
Workshops, meetings.
Suppliers were happy to provide demos and share links and further information.
CSU leads were happy to co-ordinate and chase where necessary
ICB lead contributed to strategic discussions and provided insight into opportunities the report would be a key tool for. Delivery to CCG programme boards and leads

What resources did you need?
-
Business process skills
-Project plans and digital blueprintsMs Word, Excel, VisioStaff engagement
-Supplier engagement, demos
-NHS Digital publications & wider papers

Benefits?
-Usable report to inform future investment
-Pooled working to increase efficiency
-Strategic Insight / Local Insight Suite of tools business change, SME knowledge that can be utilised in the future to support the utilisation, monitoring and adoption save costs with future projects
-New ways of working using digital tools at the forefront to increase efficiencies
-Efficiencies in staff working, stopping duplication of work etc