Innovate to Activate sharing practice booklet - BHF National Centre ...

26 Sharing practice bookletIn partnership with NHS Wiltshire IT Department, an online referral tool was developed.Referring practitioners sign up to the tool and are able to make an instant referral, via anonline form, which is immediately received by one of three Active Health Hub Co-ordinators.The Hub Co-ordinator contacts the patient and books them in for an appointment. The Hub Coordinatorsare specialist Level 4 instructors and, as they are the one point of contact for GPs intheir area, they have been able to build an excellent, two-way relationship. To date 98% of GPsurgeries in Wiltshire and a significant number of health care professionals are signed up to usethe online tool.Behind the tool is an extensive database which monitors patient progress, feedback toreferring practitioners and data collection.Evaluation/research methodologyAn initial consultation was carried out including baseline assessment of blood pressure, restingheart rate, height, weight, waist and hip measurements and goal setting. This is carried outagain at 12 weeks and the results are compared. There is also a six week review with theclient in person and weekly contact via telephone, text, email or in person.Data collected includes baseline assessment and re-assessment, reason for referral, age,gender, referring practitoners, referring centres, number of referrals and retention, types ofreferral and follow up at 6, 12 and 18 months to see if still active.Results of the projectThe online tool has provided a wealth of data collection which was not possible previously.Quarterly reports are produced which demonstrates patient progress and identifies trends inreferrals, eg, to date 48% of all referrals are for overweight/obesity, so a CPD instructor hasbeen organised to look at this condition. The new system has also engaged GPs to make moresuitable referrals with over 650 online referrals made in seven months, a 68% increase fromthe same period last year.Tips for other professionals1. Meet with all existing groups who deliver exercise referral and find out what works andwhat doesn’t. Involve GPs, practice nurses and other healthcare professionals in theinitial discussions and steering groups.2. Carry out a pilot project with a proactive surgery so that they can work with you duringthe development of the project, and help to resolve any issue that might behighlighted by GPs, practice staff and yourselves.3. Establish one or two key points of contact on both sides, eg, a representative from NHSWiltshire and Active Health Hub Co-ordinator. They are then in a position todisseminate information to relevant people so all parties know where to come if thereare any problems or issues that arise.Contact Louise CaryEmail louise.cary@wiltshire.gov.uk