Working effectively as a rapidly developing team: PCN Network conference session summary
Talking points and key questions on working effectively as a rapidly developing team.
Chair and panellists
- Prof Aruna Garcea, Clinical Director Board Member, PCN Network and Clinical Director, Leicester City and Universities PCN
- Beccy Baird, Senior Fellow, The King’s Fund
Key points
The fundamentals of team working
- Small number of objectives that create interdependence.
- Clear roles and responsibilities within teams.
- Ongoing reflection on how teams are working together.
Deciding which new roles to recruit
The key questions that primary care networks (PCNs) should be considering include: What different tasks are being undertaken now and what new tasks are required? What skills are needed for such tasks? Which skills are missing across your team at present?
How to keep them
Key factors: building trust, sharing information, using physical space effectively, meeting development needs, engaging with patients so that they understand and trust the new roles.
Sharing best practice
There is an important role for the PCN Network, and possibly CCGs, in helping to share case studies of where PCNs are using those in ARRS roles effectively.
Training
Has been variable across PCNs, with key issues being lack of time and resource. There is a need for training needs to be met across PCNs in an area rather than within individual PCNs. It seems expected that those in ARRS roles are fully trained when they start. There is a need to structure training around the question of ‘how could we all be delivering better for our patients?’ GP federations can also be brought into discussions around training.
Key quotes
"When understanding the value of the new roles, there is nothing like a bit of show and tell between PCNs."
"You can’t provide a training programme for your OT or your pharmacist just within your PCN."
Questions for consideration
- Are the training and development needs of PCN clinical directors, many of whom are in their first clinical leadership roles, being met? If not, why not?
