The need
It was vital that the resources were clear, realistic and relatable for other PCNs: they needed to communicate the depth and complexity of the project team’s work and the impact the project has had on staff and patients, while showing that the solution was readily deliverable across other networks.
It was particularly important that the content was able to:
- describe how the PCN ‘hub’ operating model supported national policy (including the Fuller Stocktake vision and the Primary Care Recovery Plan) and enabled it to meet all contractual requirements in a more efficient way.
- explain how the IT solution worked and the value it brought, by highlighting its ‘first of kind’ elements, outlining the technical specification and workarounds that support the new model, and exploring the wealth of data and intelligence generated.
- share practical advice on how the project team ensured that all clinical safety and information governance standards were met and that the operating model was financially sustainable over the long term.
- communicate the workforce planning, engagement and training elements that underpinned the new approach, showing how the hub operating model was delivered largely with the existing, ARRS-funded PCN workforce.
- demonstrate the human value of the new operating model, by highlighting how it has improved the patient experience, enhanced collaboration across teams, and improved morale and working conditions within the PCN.
The solution
Through a combination of effective storytelling, impactful design and concise technical copy-writing, Ethical Healthcare produced the following products, which are now being used to support other PCN teams:
A blueprint guide
Following a series of interviews and discussions with the PCN project team, Ethical Healthcare designed, authored and produced a blueprint document presenting the full picture of how the Folkestone, Hythe and Rural PCN hub operating model works. Interspersed with illustrative graphics, screenshots and extended quotes and testimonials, the guide includes a project overview, a summary of the financial model, an in-depth technical walk-through, information on clinical safety and data governance, and sections on workforce, data and intelligence, and the patients’ perspective.
Available both as an interactive PDF and in html format for the NHS England website, the blueprint guide also acts as a gateway to wider support, with embedded links to a range of frameworks and practical resources the project team has developed.
The Perspectives series
Supporting this blueprint, Ethical Healthcare also developed a four-part Perspectives series to focus on specific elements of the design and implementation of the operating model. Largely written from a first-person perspective, these mini-guides aim to capture the voice of the project team, helping to convey personal experiences and lessons learnt across a range of subjects.
Video and visual storytelling
Finally, in partnership with video production company Kaleidoscope CFA, Ethical Healthcare developed a long-form video providing a more direct introduction to the project.
Drawing on interviews from the PCN’s Clinical Director, Digital Transformation Manager and frontline clinical staff, it helps to tell the human story of how the project was conceived and the difference it is making across the seven practices.
The impact
The resources are now playing a key role in the communications and engagement work being undertaken by the NHS England South East’s primary care transformation programme team to share best practice across the region and beyond.
Ethical Healthcare were a pleasure to work with. They quickly identified the requirements and fully understood the complexity of the brief, creating a powerful and concise set of resources that provide step-by-step guidance to support others that want to work in this way. These are essential tools to help us share best practice more widely across our region and beyond.Adriana Jimenez, Senior Primary Care Network Transformation and Access Innovation Lead at NHS England South East