We are joined, once again, by Dr Nigel Fraser, Dr Mike Hearne, and Conor Price. This week they discuss how Herefordshire has taken significant strides in influencing integrated care board decisions through data sharing and analytics, highlighting the critical role of Primary Care Analytics in the evolution of local data systems.
Hear about the national landscape of general practice data analytics and its impact on healthcare strategies from our guests. They bring to the table discussions on the need for a unified voice in the sector, the challenges in translating complex activities into actionable insights, and the role primary care analysts play in this domain. The episode wraps up with a look at the strategic enhancement of data analytics in primary care. Don't miss part 2 of this insightful discussion on revolutionising general practice and promoting innovation across the nation.
Introduction (00:09)
Data in General Practice (02:03)
The importance of sharing data (03:32)
Controls.. (04:36)
Primary Care Analytics.. (05:02)
Primary Care Analytics forum.. (07:54)
General Practice influence (08:53)
Skills gap within General Practice (10:04)
Working together.. (11:08)
Measuring what’s important (13:09)
Supporting other areas.. (13:59)
Influencing at a ICB level (17:20)
Getting in touch.. (18:37)
Starting a National movement.. (19:00)
Final thoughts (19:37)
Contact Conor Price via email here & visit the Primary Care Analytics website here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Join us as we explore the advancements in general practice data and analytics, as Ben sits down with Dr Nigel Fraser, Dr Mike Hearne, and Conor Price. They share their invaluable insights on the early initiatives of data sharing using EMIS and the importance of establishing trust among practices. Together, they unravel the complexities of standardising data to enhance collaborative healthcare and reflect on the journey from the initial phases to the sophisticated state of data utilisation today.
Listen in as they tackle the significant strides made in healthcare data management and the importance of standardised coding templates, the trust required in data sharing, and the role of mobile healthcare in addressing critical issues. They also discuss the creation of robust data management teams and the strategic deployment of data to advocate for primary care investments, all while recognising the undeniable power of data in steering healthcare improvements and fortifying practice support within the larger system..
Introduction (00:08)
Primary Care Analytics (01:57)
Comparing apples with apples (04:02)
LMC’s perspective.. (05:07)
The pro’s of providing the data.. (05:54)
The developments & benefits.. (07:06)
Using the data right (11:34)
Producing information.. (14:23)
Data analyst & beyond.. (16:55)
What does the data look like now? (18:36)
How does the data help? (21:28)
How to get in touch (23:02)
Contact Conor Price via email here & visit the Primary Care Analytics website here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
With general practice at a crossroads, Practice Index podcast regulars Robyn Clark and Claire Houston join Ben to assess the financial hurdles presented within the latest GP contract. The 2% funding increase is a drop in the ocean against towering inflation and the uptick in the national living wage could well see a situation whereby practices are unable to hire or replace departing staff, calling into question, once again, the issue of sustainability.
We consider newer directives linked to capacity and access such as telephony, online consultations, and care navigation systems and probe the effectiveness of the Integrated Care Board payments - and the Quality and Outcomes Framework - questioning their impact on an already stretched thin resource pool.
Don't miss this episode for a frank and insightful examination of the state of general practice right now, with our expert practice management panel guiding the conversation.
Introduction (00.:09)
Welcoming the panel (00:39)
Funding implications (00:52)
An unrealistic uplift against the economic reality (02:12)
Impact on practices (03:06)
Government response and continuing uncertainty (03:48)
Complications with budget-setting (05:38)
Advice from Clare when planning ahead (06:49)
Debating the QOF changes (07:53)
Changes related to vaccs and imms (09:46)
Scrapping the IIF in favour of capacity and access (10:32)
Achieving the 30% (12:33)
National extraction of demand data (14:25)
A new “registration solution” (17:03)
Merging the PCN DES spec and ARRS (17:55)
The future of general practice taskforce (20:48)
GP referendum (21:55)
Final thoughts (23:47)
The importance of standing together (24:40)
To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Listen in as we welcome back experts James Gransby from RSM UK and Robert McCartney from Hempsons for an insightful analysis of the upcoming 24/25 GP contract changes and the associated financial pressures. They tackle the stark realities practices are facing, including the modest wage increases and low inflation rate adjustments set against a backdrop of historical underfunding. They examine potential cost savings, opportunities for service expansion, and the balance between growth and maintaining a strong practice culture. Join us to also highlight the success of organic mergers and the concept of 'soft mergers' as a means to foster collaboration while preserving individual practice identity.
Introduction (00:09)
Reactions to the 24/25 contract.. (00:33)
Percentages used.. (01:42)
What’s new? (03:31)
Continuity of care (04:37)
Financial pressure on individual practices (05:35)
Section 96 (06:24)
Point of no return.. (07:01)
Funding during COVID.. (07:40)
Do practices need to merge? (08:54)
Economies of scale.. (14:15)
The need for a plan.. (15:10)
When does it become too big? (16:40)
Thinking about a merger? (19:01)
Merging organically.. (21:05)
Soft merging (23:12)
Getting in touch.. (23:52)
Contact Robert via email here & James via email here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Ben welcomes back podcast favourite, Sheinaz Stansfield, Quality Improvement Lead for Oxford Terrace and Rawling Road Medical Group. Sheinaz joins Ben to share her pioneering methods for workforce redesign in General Practice, which include a thorough examination of patient demand and the utilisation of tools to distinguish between activity and demand. Their discussion also looks into how to integrate new roles into healthcare teams, highlights the benefits of mentorship for unique roles, and the significant impact this can have on enhancing patient experiences and alleviating the pressure on clinicians. Join us and learn from Sheinaz’s tales of transformation, where a focus on demand and capacity has the power to revolutionise primary care..
Introduction (00:09)
Workforce redesign (00:39)
Measuring demand (01:56)
Findings & surprises.. (02:36)
Is demand greater than capacity? (04:04)
Increasing capacity.. (05:28)
Changing your workforce.. (07:58)
Identifying additional roles your Practice needs.. (09:19)
Workforce redesign principles.. (10:16)
Additional roles becoming part of the PCN.. (12:27)
Do you have a divide? (15:20)
Impacts on the GPs.. (16:15)
Key takeaways for listeners.. (17:05)
Advice.. (19:06)
Previous examples.. (20:56)
Making the most of an individual's skills.. (22:14)
Resources.. (23:06)
Listen to Ben & Sheinaz’s previous podcast episodes below:
Sheinaz Stansfield – social prescribing
Sheinaz Stansfield – Releasing time for care in Gateshead
Sheinaz Stansfield – The role of the frailty nurse in general practice
Sheinaz Stansfield – Better Health
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Unlock the secrets to compassionate healthcare as we join forces with Kay Keane, Shaun Jackson and Katherine Scott from Urban Village Medical Practice, to discuss primary care's pivotal role in supporting the homeless community. Together, they navigate the complex definition of homelessness, the responsibilities of local authorities, and how healthcare providers can assist individuals in this challenging system. This discussion is just the beginning of a series aimed at guiding practices in providing care to those experiencing homelessness. Discover the importance of using the practice's address for correspondence and learn how to maintain continuity of care for this population. This episode is designed to raise awareness and equip healthcare providers with the tools needed to offer empathetic and effective support to patients experiencing homelessness, a testament to the compassion and innovation that earned Urban Village Medical Practice its esteemed award.
Introduction (00:08)
What can we do to help people who are experiencing homelessness (00:52)
The plan.. (01:49)
Katherine's role.. (02:36)
What is homelessness? (03:32)
Why is it such an important issue for Primary Care? (04:53)
Support on offer.. (06:36)
Recognise the population (07:52)
Other organisations.. (10:22)
Noticing a difference.. (11:15)
What can practices do? (12:30)
Have the conversation with patients.. (15:55)
Getting it right.. (17:47)
Additional roles (19:26)
Homeless patients interacting with health services.. (20:48)
Supporting the patients.. (24:08)
Getting in touch.. (26:52)
Urban Village Medical Practice website & to find out more contact Kay Keane here.
Listen to the previous episode from Urban Village here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, Kay Keane and Claire Houston join Ben for a candid discussion on the financial challenges practices are facing. At the heart of their discussion lies the tension between the escalating costs of running a practice, including the forthcoming minimum wage hike, and the proposed 1.9% budget increase. Kay, Claire and Ben reflect on the squeeze this puts on profits and how it's driving a potential shift in the structure of General Practice. They look into the hard choices that lie ahead, and consider the implications of relying on additional roles over traditional GP-led models. They discuss what practices can do in face of such a financially challenging environment, and offer practical tips for those who are struggling. Tune in to hear more about the creative strategies practices are employing to navigate funding challenges and how this might shape the future of General Practice.
Introduction (00:09)
Practice finances (00:50)
Claire’s thoughts.. (01:58)
The 1.9% offer (03:54)
Claire & Kay’s thoughts regarding the offer? (04:38)
How are Practices make ends meet? (07:13)
What kind of uplift in income is possible for Practices? (09:46)
PCN income.. (12:32)
The challenges.. (14:22)
Working together.. (16:08)
Additional roles.. (16:51)
Making savings by increasing size.. (22:52)
Resources & information.. (25:08)
To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Tim Rigg & Jessie Teggin join Ben to discuss ‘Out in the Field’, a provider of retreats for NHS staff. This episode looks into the transformative journey of healthcare staff towards holistic wellbeing, Jessie and Tim share information about the unique retreats that are aimed at nurturing the wellbeing of healthcare professionals, empowering them to unwind, rejuvenate, along with creating stronger connections within their teams. Join us to learn more about the retreats, and how NHS staff are embracing them..
Introduction (00:09)
Out in the field (01:21)
Forest bathing (05:30)
Why did you decide on retreats for your primary care team? (08:53)
Staff's thoughts.. (12:51)
How did the retreat run? (14:18)
What difference did it make to staff.. (18:27)
Are there more sessions to come? (21:02)
Jessie’s thoughts on the day.. (21:38)
How to find out more.. (24:45)
Visit the ‘Out in the Field’ website here & ‘The Quadrangle’ here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Join Andy and Gandhi from eGPLearning and Tara Humphrey for something different this week, as our very own Ben joined eGPLearning’s live discussion to explore what is next for PCNs. They look into the future of General Practice, GP contract negotiations and the evolution of patient care. They navigate through the challenges of recruitment, resource allocation, and a modest funding uplift set against rising inflation. They also share information for the upcoming live event in Nottingham, where success stories and the resilience of healthcare professionals will take centre stage.
Introduction to PCN Plus (00:09)
Introduction (00:31)
The latest video from Katie.. (01:41)
Contract negotiations.. (03:35)
GPs in ARRS roles (06:37)
Comments from live listeners (11:34)
1.9% uplift (12:24)
Further comments from live listeners.. (18:37)
Joining the PCN Plus conference (20:38)
Listen to the full live streamed episode of ‘What is next for PCNs with PCN Plus’ here.
Register for the PCN Plus conference on Wednesday 17th April here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
In this episode of the podcast, we look into the world of total triage with Pete Woodward, from Cheadle Medical Practice. Join us as we learn how tailored questionnaires and advanced triage tools have led to a significant leap in diagnosis accuracy and patient satisfaction. Discover the secrets behind their efficient triage process, The Human Touch, which not only heightened patient contentment but also optimised the staff's schedule, ensuring availability for urgent cases. This episode is packed with valuable information, tune in to transform your understanding of patient care and triage in the modern medical environment.
Introduction (00:09)
Pete’s role.. (00:35)
The Human Touch (00:47)
Struggling with demand (01:40)
Face to face demand (02:07)
What changes were made? (02:55)
What came next.. (03:49)
Creating a model.. (04:26)
Identifying areas.. (05:33)
Patient questionnaires.. (06:17)
Next steps.. (06:45)
The role of the reception team.. (07:29)
Decision pathway (08:30)
Impact of the changes.. (08:41)
Reduction of phone calls (09:17)
How long did it take to see a reduction? (09:46)
Patient feedback (10:16)
Hurdles the practice overcame.. (10:45)
Creating capacity (11:48)
Protecting appointments (13:54)
The situation now.. (14:43)
Reacting to changes (15:38)
What’s next? (16:14)
Supporting other practices (17:22)
Advice for getting people onboard.. (19:57)
Contacting Pete (21:02)
More about ‘The Human Touch’ (21:51)
To contact Pete directly, please contact him by email here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Join us this week to discuss the new CQC revamped Practice Inspection Framework, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, with panel regular Robyn Clark & manager partner of a GP practice in North London, Rathai Thevananth. This essential episode of our podcast provides a comprehensive breakdown of the significant changes affecting healthcare practices. Gain an in-depth understanding of the new quality statements and learn how the updated numerical scoring system will enhance self-assessment and benchmarking for your practice. With Rathai’s insights, we look into how you can prepare for a CQC visit, we also share practical strategies to achieve and maintain excellence. From organising documentation to analysing patient feedback and improving accountability, this episode is packed with actionable advice to ensure your healthcare practice not only meets but exceeds inspection standards.
Introduction (00:09)
New CQC framework.. (01:35)
The biggest difference? (02:16)
Making it easier for practices.. (02:42)
Is there a change to the ratings? (03:24)
Final scoring (03:53)
Robyn’s thoughts.. (04:31)
Evidence required.. (05:55)
How is the rollout going? (06:58)
Robyn’s practice visit.. (08:20)
Feedback so far.. (10:20)
Frequency of visits (11:12)
Tips for the CQC inspection (12:08)
Common struggle areas.. (14:04)
Common mistakes.. (15:57)
Organisation.. (17:23)
Does Robyn feel ready? (18:34)
What makes a practice ‘outstanding’? (20:01)
Best places to get information.. (21:02)
Further recommendations (21:37)
To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Jacob Haddad, co-founder of Accurx, returns to our podcast to discuss Accurx’s latest report. With a focus on total triage and its impact on the healthcare delivery model, we uncover a system where appointments are a last resort, leading to increased efficiency and a transformative patient experience. The conversation pivots to the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of general practices that are pioneering this approach. You'll hear firsthand accounts of how clinics grapple with increased workloads and leverage the expertise of senior GPs to ensure a successful transition. By highlighting the community of practices that have already embraced these changes, we invite listeners to join a network of forward-thinkers revolutionising patient care. So, if you're a healthcare professional ready to learn from the best, or simply a curious mind intrigued by the future of healthcare, this episode is your gateway to an evolving world where change is not just expected, it's embraced.
Introduction (00:09)
Staying relevant.. (00:32)
Digital transformation (01:16)
The report.. (01:57)
The changes.. (03:09)
Making it successful (03:53)
The maths.. (08:26)
Putting the changes into motion.. (11:10)
Who to put in charge of triage? (12:45)
How did Jacob research this? (14:59)
Plan for Practices.. (16:16)
Modern General Practice.. (18:06)
Practices making the change together.. (19:45)
Accessing the report & finding support .. (21:39)
Download the Accurx report: a blueprint for recovering access here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, this week we focus on the topic of annual leave. Ben is joined by Claire Hoston and Robyn Clark to tackle the topic of managing annual leave in general practice. Navigating the peaks of holiday seasons can be a tumultuous affair in any workplace, but it's especially challenging in healthcare settings where patients need surge following breaks like Christmas and school holidays. They share their strategies for equitable leave distribution, such as annual planning meetings for clinical staff and specific rules for management teams. The conversation reveals how crucial a clear leave policy is for maintaining harmony and ensuring everyone gets a chance to recharge. Whether you're a practice manager or a team member trying to navigate your leave schedule, this episode offers insights and solutions for managing this critical aspect of workplace well-being.
Introduction & annual leave (00:08)
Managing annual leave (03:06)
Annual planning meeting.. (04:25)
Proactive approach about staff taking leave (05:41)
Managing leave expectations.. (07:00)
Carrying over leave.. (07:59)
The importance of people taking leave in the year? (08:50)
Practice Managers difficulty taking annual leave (10:28)
Work backlog.. (11:33)
Time off in lieu (12:10)
The development of the HR package (13:43)
Managing cultural balance.. (14:55)
Annual leave allowance.. (16:28)
Best practice when setting annual leave levels? (17:36)
Challenges of recruitment? (19:24)
Annual leave policies or practices recommended to people listening? (20:44)
To visit the Practice Index website, click here or contact James Dillon here.
For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.