The Growing Success of Primary Care Respiratory Champions In The South West Region (ID 458)
NHS England (SW Region)
Funding: NHS England SW CVDR & Diabetes clinical network - an underspend in network funding was used for both initiatives.
Abstract
An initiative started in 21/22, significantly expanded in 23/24, increasing from 36% of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in the region to over 75% engaged.The aim was to foster widespread improvement in primary care respiratory performance, an area with traditionally low profile. The offer was for support and upskilling to PCNs around all elements of Respiratory.
Minimal funding was available, and provided on average 2 - 3hrs per PCN/ week over 6 months. The first initiative was so successful that applicants increased significantly in the second tranche, with a further cohort opting to be unfunded champions when funding ended. Champions have access to regular education sessions from our clinical leads (including recordings). Also a lively WhatsApp peer group with daily exchanges of advice and resources. Primary Care Academy is supporting the initiative with free leadership training, and in supporting the hosting of a regular community of practice. Education has covered a very wide spectrum of subjects from diagnosis, medicines optimisation, severe asthma, ILD, cancer and much more. Also two region-wide projects were run targeting SABA overuse and Pulmonary Rehab uptake and completion.
It is too early to claim definite measurable improvements yet (though our prescribing performance is some of the best in England and improvements have been made in QOF performance).
A key success has been the enthusiasm amongst the champions, who report feeling valued and supported, no longer isolated. They willingly volunteer to participate in projects such as developing guidance around nebuliser use or deep-dives into flu vaccination rates and the quality of pulmonary rehabilitation referrals has significantly improved. The South West also has outstanding rates of Spirometry and FeNO diagnostic use in Primary Care compared to other regions.
A respectful relationship of trust built with the Champions means that we now have a willing and mobilizable respiratory workforce.
Conflicts of interest: None
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