Project planning in a cash strapped NHS

Getting a project underway and making it happen was the focus of the June meeting of the Respiratory Clinical Leadership workshop.

Independent consultant Catherine Blackaby introduced delegates to the tools, techniques and approaches that they could use to increase their chances of success.

Noel Baxter, PCRS Chair, led a session on NHS Right Care and value based care.  This is a programme designed to make NHS money go as far as possible while improving patient outcomes.    

PCRS Policy Adviser Bronwen Thompson gave an overview of the latest policy developments impacting on the delivery of respiratory care and explained how being aware of the policy context will enhance a project and make it relevant.

Working in small groups, delegates were given an opportunity to apply some of the learning from the workshop to develop their own project. They were able to benefit from support and feedback from other delegates and the faculty.

They were encouraged to practise lift pitches, a brief, persuasive speech that can be used to create interest in a project or idea. It should last no longer than a short lift ride of one minute or even 30 seconds. 

Two delegates were given the opportunity to review a conference poster and feed back to the group about the strengths and weaknesses of the work and how it might influence their practice. Dr Luke Daines, academic GP, University of Edinburgh, extended the discussion by recommending practical tips for critical analysis of scientific abstracts and papers.

Catherine Blackaby led a second session on keeping focused and moving forward and passed on some tips on how to avoid some of the common pitfalls, maintain momentum and stay focused during the progress of a project.

Workshop Chairs Melissa Canavan and Stephen Gaduzo led a session on how to raise awareness of a project and how to promote it.

The next Respiratory clinical Leaders workshop is on Utilising patients' feedback for service evaluation: patient-centred outcomes based care, 9-10 November, The Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham.

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