Implementing consultant delivered services

The future of service delivery in the NHS will be based on a consultant delivered service. Any significant change presents challenges and implementing consultant delivered service is no exception. To overcome the obstacles requires a focus on the benefits and working as a team.

Ways of working across the NHS are changing. Patient expectations continue to increase, services (and the consultant role within them) are undergoing reconfiguration and the way in which training is delivered is also changing. Thinking differently about workforce planning with a focus on creating a consultant delivered service and the subsequent realignment of the entire workforce is now needed. PA’s health team discuss some of the benefits to making a consultant delivered service a reality. 

Concerns are being expressed over a move to a consultant delivered service, and the implications of  the changes inevitably present a challenge for many. It will be important to be clear about the long term outcomes and ensure the patient is at the heart of the case for change. Looking at the benefits of a consultant delivered service presents a compelling case for change. 

This is a good opportunity to realign the clinical teams to patient needs

In designing the future, work as a team. Bring together clinical and non-clinical staff at all levels to examine  the patient pathway, remembering that ‘one size  does not fit all’ and recognising the unique needs of each circumstance – for example 24/7 consultant presence is not necessary in all situations. The right resources (not the available resources) can be allocated to every point of the pathway giving the  best possible care for the patient. 

Doctors in training will be able to follow consultants through all stages of the care pathway. Currently, the way some rotas are designed, means the trainer and trainee may not work together for significant periods of time. This leads to a less than optimum training experience for the trainee – and the future reduction in numbers of doctors in training will further impact the amount of resource available for service cover. Doctors in training will feel more supported and empowered through consultant delivered services. Trainees are likely to have less direct service delivery responsibility and they will be learning in a safe environment, thus reducing the stress placed upon them.  

Consultants will be able to do more of what  they do best

Doctors chose to go into medicine to treat patients. In planning a consultant delivered service analyse current consultant tasks and reassign or eliminate anything that does not require their level of expertise. This will give more real time with patients and less time doing administration and other related activities. Additionally, the majority of consultants see the development of the next generation as a meaningful part of their role and this model gives better  opportunities to train effectively.  

Increased consultant time will save money

Consultant pay isn’t the only measure of cost in this model. The impact of more correct first-time diagnosis and earlier interventions (shorter bed stays, lower treatment costs, less waste) will all help to reduce overall costs. Furthermore, doctors in training will be learning more effectively, by observing and then acting with supervision – overall, this is likely to reduce errors and produce a more confident and competent trainee.  

The implementation of a consultant delivered service will deliver the best outcomes for patients, increases the proportion of consultant time spent in direct clinical care responsibility and gives the best learning opportunities for doctors in training.

To learn how PA can help you implement and for more information about PA’s healthcare workforce expertise, please contact us now.