Summary
We were commissioned to establish a baseline understanding of the current situation with remote working in a triple ICB primary care area, from which further support and plans could be developed. We undertook an exploratory exercise to fully understand and document how remote working currently operates in general practice. Capturing what works and what isn’t, looking at but not exclusively, kit, connectivity, solutions (i.e., 365) and access to systems
Aims/Objectives
-Assess the current level of remote working within the area
-Identify specific problems and concerns regarding remote working
-Identify realised benefits of remote working
-Produce a report documenting our findings.
What did we do?
-Clarified how remote working benefits supported long term strategic goals.
-Engaged with end users to identify usage level and issues arising from the use of remote working.
-Researched published guidance on the implementation of remote working from a managerial and psychological support point of view.
-Identified the current deployment strategy regarding remote working and supported conversations because of the creation of our report and the impact on these strategies.
What was the context / background?
The covid pandemic resulted in the rapid deployment of remote working across the STP estate. A need arose to clarify the current state of remote working and to identify barriers to the successful use of the deployed resources. Once the barriers had been identified we were able to help to design a support plan to overcome these barriers in the future.
How was it organised and who was involved?
We engaged with staff across all levels of the primary care network to capture their experiences and thoughts on the deployment and use of remote working. We engaged with the IT support teams to capture information regarding the technical architecture supporting the remote working deployment.We reviewed strategic plans to support the continued movement along the 5 year plans.
What resources did you need?
MS Office 365 (Teams/Forms/Word) Information Dashboards, Excel, Power BI Staff engagement NHS Digital publications & wider papers Academic research papers underpinning remote working deployment. Academic research papers underpinning the psychological impact of remote working Academic research papers underpinning management considerations of remote working.
Benefits?
-Clearer understanding of the current issues regarding the deployment of remote working.
-Clearer understanding regarding the utilisation of remote working.
-Guidance regarding overcoming identified issues.
-Increased in the number of staff able to work remotely when needed.
-Reduction of issues preventing remote working access.
-Suggestions regarding the resolution of psychological change.