Report shows impact of Collaborative Practice in 27 Dorset GP practices

In 2017, Public Health Dorset commissioned Altogether Better to deliver a Collaborative Practice Leadership and Development Programme as part of Dorset’s Prevention at Scale Programme. Its purpose was to support general practice to find new ways to respond to the unprecedented challenge of rising demand and unmet need which has come about as a result of the changing pattern of disease, particularly the growth of long-term conditions (LTCs). These new demands require radical new ways of thinking and doing things to meet the social needs of patients.

“It has been incredible for our practice, our practice staff and for the health champions themselves. We have noticed changes from top to bottom… it’s just been the most enjoyable, inspiring and wonderful experience that we have ever had in our practice”

This report summarises the evaluation of that programme. It highlights the outcomes and key learning from the programme of work which supported 46 members of staff including GPs, Practice Managers and their teams from 27 GP practices across the county to lead a new way of organising in general practice.

The programme was designed to help them to develop, learn and acquire the knowledge, skills, confidence, and capability to do things differently. An integral part of the development programme included practical, in-practice support to implement Altogether Better’s evidence-based approach to Collaborative Practice.

Watch this short video with Jane Dawes, Managing Partner at Blackmore Vale Partnership in Dorset about her experience of the work: Finding the joy in work again.