Workflow Optimisation is the name for a process that trains an Administrator to effectively and safely read, code, action and complete clinical correspondence.
Up to 80% of clinical correspondence can be directed away from the GP. This can free up to 40 mins per day of a full-time equivalent (FTE) GP time. Practice Unbound's approach is based on blended learning, utilising both face-to-face and online resources.
Developed by Practice Unbound and born in Brighton, we now work with over 2,000 Practices across the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales. Safety and robust governance is central to what we do. We develop the confidence of the GP to delegate this work and the Administrator to take this work on.
We work with General Practice to develop an agreed protocol. We provide audit tools to support safe implementation. We provide data dashboards so that general practice can understand the progress of their implementation and evidence of the return on their investment. Our approach works with all clinical systems and Docman.
Once your Workflow Administrator has been signed off with their training, they should be audited every 6 months after that.
The GP or Lead Workflow GP is the ideal person to be auditing your Workflow Administrators.
Apart from a laptop or computer, you may want to invest in dual screens or a wide screen that enables you to set up a ‘split screen’ view, this will create an easier working environment for processing clinical correspondence through Workflow.
If you are interested in setting these things up – please get in touch as we may be able to help.
It is down to the Practice to agree on a time frame for the Workflow training and implementation.
From our experience, from when each Practice starts their implementation, we offer a guideline of 8 weeks to complete the process.
Your GPs will begin to save time once your administrative teams have started to complete their first letters following their Workflow training. Depending on the amount of clinical correspondence being handled, the amount of time saved will gradually increase as the week’s progress and the team becomes more familiar with Workflow.
By the end of the process, your Practice will be releasing GP time and capacity.
We’ve designed Workflow with your community’s safety front of mind. It’s underpinned by a robust governance system that is supported by medical defence organisations.
At the very start of your Workflow journey, we’ll support your Practice to appoint a Workflow GP Lead to make sure that the right protocols and auditing processes are in place.
Workflow won’t affect your indemnity at all. As long as you’ve appointed a GP Workflow Lead and defined your Practice protocol, your indemnity provider will regard Workflow as a delegated function
Each of the Workflow solutions deliver a tailored approach to supporting and working with Practice teams. All are underpinned by our commitment to delivering quality training and ensuring that Practices members feel empowered.
Workflow – We’ve carefully designed a blended learning journey to set Practice teams up for Workflow. At the very beginning, you’ll meet your Workflow team who will support you to tailor Workflow to suit your Practices. Then, working through the e-Learning modules via the Practice Unbound secure Portal, Administrators will learn to Read code and action different types of clinical correspondence.
They’ll also take part in workshops and become part of the Workflow community; where they can share learning with other Workflow users and access support when they need it.
Workflow Network – We work in partnership with you to understand the needs of the Practices involved. Through careful planning we will give you the tools to support your Practice teams through the transition and training. With regular contact and access to your Workflow team and the Practice Unbound secure Portal for all your training, resources and data requirements.
Workflow Go – This is your opportunity to work closely with your practices and deliver a tailored Workflow programme that works to your specific Practice needs. We will provide you with the material to set the scene and deliver the project to your time frame.
All Practices will have access to the Practice Unbound secure Platform for all your online training, resources and data requirements.
Workflow fits closely with the objectives of Scotland’s new GP contract, which aims to reduce GP workload by enabling some tasks currently carried out by GPs to be carried out by members of a wider primary care multi-disciplinary team.
Introducing Workflow through Practice Unbound ties in closely with this objective, by freeing up GP time to focus on patient care. Health Improvement Scotland has identified document management as a key priority to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of primary care.
In line with the GP Forward View, the NHS has allocated a portion of transformation funding to local areas for Workflow. If you’d like to find out whether Workflow could be funded in your Practice, please contact your Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) or Local Health Board.
Talk to your local Health and Social Care Partnership about whether any Primary Care Improvement monies may be available to support the implementation of Workflow across your locality.
Workflow fits closely with the objectives of Scotland’s new GP contract, which aims to reduce GP workload by enabling some tasks currently carried out by GPs to be carried out by members of a wider primary care multi-disciplinary team.
Introducing Workflow through Practice Unbound ties in closely with this objective, by freeing up GP time to focus on patient care. Health Improvement Scotland has identified document management as a key priority to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of primary care.
Cluster funding has been used to pay for Workflow. Raise at your Cluster meeting to see if this is an option for you. Your Health Board may also be able to fund Workflow and single practices have also paid for Workflow themselves.
Workflow fits closely with the objectives of Prudent Healthcare, specifically around making the most effective use of all skills and resources. In many Cluster Network Action Plans are themes around sustainability and working collaboratively and our approach supports and enables this to become a reality.
The Health, Social Care and Sport committee ‘Inquiry Into Primary Care: Clusters’ included the current and future Workforce challenges and ways to reduce demand on GPs within their terms of reference. Implementing Workflow and freeing up GP time, sits comfortably within this focus.