Ben Gowland talks to those making real change happen in healthcare, getting underneath what they did, how they managed to do it, and the challenges they faced a...
Podcast – Practice Index – Exploring Changes in Advice and Guidance Funding in General Practice
In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back Claire Houston, Kay Keane, and Hussain Gandhi. Together, they delve into the significant changes in advice and guidance funding for general practice, introduced as part of the government's new Elective Recovery Plan. With a focus on patient choice and the new £20 funding per advice and guidance request for GPs, they examine whether this fee truly reflects the work involved. They also discuss the potential shift in workload from secondary to primary care and what this means for practices. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolving role of digital healthcare and its varied impact across regions, highlighting the importance of clear contractual details to ensure fair compensation for GPs. Tune in for an insightful discussion to help practices navigate these changes and prepare for the future of healthcare. Introduction (00:08) The recovery plan (00:53) Advice and guidance (02:15) Existing funding (05:31) How advice and guidance requests work.. (07:35) Additional money (11:36) Other elements (13:13) Patient-initiated follow-ups (14:10) Is advice and guidance coming off the ‘list’ (21:11) The details.. (22:29) How to prepare.. (23:11) Visit the Practice Index Hub directly, here. 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.
We’re pleased to kick off the new year with a returning guest, Lorenz Kemper, Co-founder and Director of Medlink Solutions. Since his last appearance during the pandemic in 2020, Medlink has achieved remarkable growth and innovation in transforming general practice operations across the UK. In this episode, Lorenz discusses how Medlink has expanded its client base and unveiled an automated recall system integrated with EMIS Web. This breakthrough reduces administrative workloads, increases clinical capacity, and absorbs communication costs, resulting in significant savings and improved efficiency for practices. Join us to explore how these advancements are reshaping the way practices manage enhanced services. Introduction (00:08) Peak of the pandemic.. (01:38) What’s happened since then? (02:05) How do you manage health checks remotely.. (02:47) Is this practice focused? (03:41) What does MedLink do? (05:30) How have practices found this system? (10:02) Providing patients with options.. (12:42) What’s included for each practice? (13:26) Future plans.. (14:27) Development of neighbourhood teams (15:24) Working with secondary care.. (18:01) Finding out more.. (18:48) You can visit the MedLink website here. You can listen back to Lorenz’ & Ben’s previous episode ‘Online long-term condition reviews using MedLink’ here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
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Podcast – Practice Index – Tackling Financial Hurdles in Primary Care
In this week’s episode, brought to you in partnership with Practice Index, we welcome back Claire Houston & Kay Keane, they explore the financial challenges that general practices are facing in light of recent budget changes. Practices are grappling with significant costs, and the fear of potential staff reductions looms large. They highlight the ongoing financial strain on practices, emphasising the gap between headline funding figures and the real growth in income. They reflect on the emotional and practical struggles faced by healthcare workers amidst rising operational costs. The lack of clear communication from governing bodies only adds to the difficulty of managing budgets effectively. This episode paints a vivid picture of the challenging landscape that general practices navigate while striving to maintain service standards. Introduction (00:09) The impact on practices (02:51) Finances for practices (04:22) Is there time? (07:41) Is it going to get resolved.. (09:10) IGPMs reaction (12:03) Collective action (14:15) A difficult period.. (16:43) How do you see it playing out? (22:02) The salary calculator (23:32) 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. Â
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Podcast – Ben Gowland – The Changing Landscape of Primary Care Networks and GP Practices
Join Ben in this solo episode as he explores the rapidly changing landscape of general practice and primary care networks. With the five year contract ending in March, is general practice facing significant financial challenges and an uncertain future? Ben explores the potential shift towards a neighbourhood based model of healthcare integration. As Primary Care Networks take a backseat, the focus shifts to integrated neighbourhood teams, designed to deliver seamless, holistic care. He also discusses the implications for Integrated Care Boards and the critical need for strong organisational infrastructure to support this transformation. Listen in as Ben navigates the challenges and opportunities, pondering what the future holds for general practice.. The changing landscape for primary care networks and for GP practices (0:09) Contract limbo situation (0:22) The Fuller Report (02:08) Integrated neighborhood teams (03:49) The Darzi report.. (06:09) GP contracts needs to have some major reform (07:14) Think tank.. (08:00) ‘Working Better Together in Neighbourhoods’ Report (08:54) The job of ICB’s (10:48) PCNs.. (11:31) Introduction of neighbourhoods (12:57) What does all this mean? (14:20) Relationships in your local area (17:14) Taking on leadership roles for cross organisational working.. (18:11) For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
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Podcast – Adrian McCourt – A New Approach to Tackling Health Challenges
This week, Ben is joined by former colleague, Adrian McCourt, to explore groundbreaking innovations in general practice health services. Adrian shares his transformative work from the past three years, focusing on how addressing social determinants of health can enhance healthcare outcomes. He highlights the challenges and impacts of tackling issues like housing, finances, and social networks, particularly for frail patients who experience frequent hospital readmissions. The episode concludes with Adrian offering practical advice on implementing these innovations in various settings, providing a roadmap for those looking to pursue similar initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into driving innovation in general practice. Introduction (00:09) How did the project come about? (00:46) Social determinants.. (02:04) Influences.. (02:21) Population health management (03:41) Making a difference.. (05:04) Seeing a difference.. (08:57) Demonstrating the difference.. (10:34) The costs involved (14:24) The future.. (18:36) Getting in touch.. (22:02) Visit Sodexo’s website here, or get in touch with Adrian via email here. For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.
Ben Gowland talks to those making real change happen in healthcare, getting underneath what they did, how they managed to do it, and the challenges they faced along the way
UK