How Perth and Kinross HSCP used the GP Cluster Working Learning Cycle report to assess themselves and introduce improvements to support cluster working locally.
The example below shows how Perth and Kinross HSCP and their Cluster Quality Leads (CQLs) used the GP Cluster Working Learning Cycle report to reflect together and assess themselves on the different components required for successful cluster working.
Shared the report
Healthcare Improvement Scotland published and promoted the GP Cluster Working Learning Cycle report in April 2022.
Perth and Kinross HSCP actively shared the report with the CQLs, who in turn shared it with Practice Quality Leads (PQLs). The report came at a good time, as the CQLs were reviewing their meeting structure and governance.
Local discussion and self-assessment
The CQLs read the report as a group, which solidified concerns they had and topics they had been discussing.
They assessed themselves against the questions for local discussion using a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) system. They were then able to develop an action plan and agree it with the HSCP.
This template for local discussion on GP Cluster Working is based on the one they used.
[The RAG table] helped us to identify key areas CQLs were really concerned about and that we were not really achieving at the moment and be able to prioritise what we wanted to get out of it."
Action plan agreed
The CQLs and HSCP Leads agreed to focus on addressing the questions regarding governance in the first instance:
- Where do clusters fit within your governance structure?
- Is there an organogram and supportive information to explain the governance structure to GPs and others?
- Do you have a visible, named lead to support CQLs and their development?
- Do you have a mechanism for reporting cluster activity?
Changes
They undertook a mapping exercise and a review of all meetings that related to clusters and frontline GPs. They mapped out the purpose, frequency, membership and outputs of these meetings.
As a result of this exercise, they identified gaps and introduced new meetings to support CQLs, such as CQL development sessions and CQL support meetings.
Results
As a result of this:
- all questions for reflection in relation to Governance went from Red to Green
- greater collaboration between CQLs, HSCPs and board
- new mechanisms for supporting CLQs were introduced
- greater clarity of different meetings related to GP clusters across the HSCP, and
- many ideas to improve other elements required for successful cluster working were generated.
Next
Perth and Kinross HSCP and their CQLs plan to continue improving the components required for successful cluster working by tackling other areas for improvement identified in their self-assessment tool.