Focusing on quality and efficiency of care, we developed the EPIC programme which was highly praised by practices and resulted in significant cost savings.

Background

The Strategy Unit developed EPIC in response to national challenges facing primary care, informed by the GP Forward View and the ‘Ten high impact actions’. EPIC is an evidence-based and experience-informed local primary care development programme.​

​The aim was to enhance the capacity and capability of general practice staff to develop and implement innovative ideas and to transform service delivery: focusing on quality and efficiency of care; patient experience and collaborative working.​

Action

EPIC had three workstreams:​

1 ‘Business management’, providing core business skills to every practice in Dudley, to improve productivity, workflows, data management and reporting​

2 ‘Performing as a team’, supporting practices to improve what they do through ideas generated in joint learning sets, with bespoke support within individual practice settings​

3 ‘Transforming’, facilitating practices working in partnership with external organisations to design and deliver ambitious new pathways, through a supported programme of action learning.​

Impact

EPIC evaluated well. It received very positive feedback from practices. It showed improved skills and knowledge within the practice teams, hence empowering staff, as well as improving relationships with local partners.​

​Cost savings were demonstrated, arising from reduced repeat prescription processing, as well as reduced paper flow and document transfer – saving time. There were also reductions in GP appointments for pill reviews and a reduction in avoidable appointments, saving GP time.​

Feedback

The EPIC programme has created a format and an environment for change. The practice has been going through a lot of change, change is difficult. EPIC has given us some tools we will roll again and again to manage change in the future.​

Practice participant, ​Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group​

Further information

If you would like more information about our services, you can contact us on strategy.unit@nhs.net​