BMA 24/7 Helpline – call 0330 123 1245
Practitioner Health Programme - text NHSPH to 85258
Samaritans - call 116 223.
Welcome to the Right Decision Service (RDS) newsletter for April 2024.
Tactuum has been working hard to address the issues experienced during the last week. They have identified a series of three mitigation measures and put the first of these in place on Friday 3rd May. If this does not resolve the problems, the second mitigation will be actioned, and then the third if necessary.
Please keep a lookout for any slowing down of the system or getting locked out. Please email myself, mbuchner@tactuum.com and onivarova@tactuum.com if you experience any problems, and also please raise an urgent support ticket via the Support Portal.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we achieve a full resolution.
A rotating carousel presenting some of the key RDS tools and capabilities, and an editable slideset, are now available in the Resources for RDS providers section of the Learning and Support toolkit.
The redesign of RDS Search and Browse is still on-track for delivery by mid-June 2024. We then plan to have a 3-week user acceptance testing phase before release to live. All editors and toolkit owners on this mailing list will be invited to participate in the UAT.
The archiving and version control functionality is also progressing well and we will advise on timescales for user acceptance testing shortly.
Tactuum is also progressing with the deep linking to individual toolkits within the mobile RDS app. There are several unknowns around the time and effort required for this work, which will only become clear as the work progresses. So we need to be careful to protect budget for this purpose.
These have all been compiled and effort estimated. Once the redesign work is complete, these will be prioritised in line with the remaining budget. We expect this to take place around late June.
Many thanks to those of you completed the value and impact survey we distributed in February. Here are some key findings from the 65 responses we received.
Figure 1: Impact of RDS on direct delivery of care
Key figures
Figure 2 shows RDS impact to date on delivery of health and care services
Key figures
These data show how RDS is already contributing to NHS reform priorities and supporting delivery of more sustainable care.
Saving time and money
Quality assurance and governance
Service innovation and workforce development
A few examples of toolkits published to live in the last month:
Some of the toolkits the RDS team is currently working on:
Please contact his.decisionsupport@nhs.scot if you would like to learn more about a toolkit. The RDS team will put you in touch with the relevant toolkit lead.
Thanks to all of you who have responded to the retrospective quality audit survey and to the follow up questions. We still have some following up to do, and to work with owners of a further 23 toolkits to complete responses. An interim report is being presented to the HIS Quality and Performance Committee.
Eight clinical services and two public library services are undertaking tests of change to implement the Being a partner in my care app. This app aims to support patients and the public to become active participants in Realistic Medicine. It has a strong focus on personalised, person-centred care and a library of shared decision aids, as well as simple explanations and videoclips to help the public to understand the aims of Realistic Medicine. The tests of change will inform guidance and an implementation model around wider adoption and spread of the app.
With kind regards
Right Decision Service team
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
GPs are under enormous pressure, which can take a toll on their own health and wellbeing.
You will care for thousands of patients over your career, but how often do you take time to care for you?
As a doctor you might forget, or be too busy to remember, how important your own health and wellbeing is. the New Economics Foundation (NEF) has set out five activities we should all do to cultivate wellbeing in ourselves and in others.
1. Connect with people
Make time for family and friends, and time for you to feel supported by them. Discuss things with your colleagues, not just your patients. Get to know your neighbours and be part of your local community. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Notice the seasons change and everyday sights and sounds, perhaps on your way to work or when connecting with friends. Be mindful. Try meditation.
Learning new things can be enjoyable and improve your confidence. Embrace new experiences. Try something new and look for new opportunities.
Discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits you. Perhaps you can make time for a walk or run. Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety. Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline.
Look out, as well as in. Do something nice for a friend or stranger. Even when you are a busy GP, this can be as simple as saying thank you. If you feel that you have more time to give, you might want to join a community group or volunteer your time. When you see yourself as part for the wider community and feel connected you create happiness in yourself and in others.
If you are struggling the contacts provided below may be helpful.
BMA 24/7 Helpline – call 0330 123 1245
Practitioner Health Programme - text NHSPH to 85258
Samaritans - call 116 223.
RCGP website: The GP lifestyle - wellbeing in general practice – RCGP online course offering advice on stress management, alcohol, nutrition, exercise and substance misuse.
The GMC website has advice for doctors with health concerns.
The help me, I’m a doctor site brings together five independent charities that support doctors when they need confidential financial assistance. They can provide support to help doctors in genuine financial need get their lives and careers back on track.
NHS Practitioner Health Programme
The NHS Practitioner Health Programme is an award winning, free and confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists with issues relating to a mental or physical health concern or addiction problem, especially when it might affect their work.
Doctors' Support Network (DSN)
DSN is a peer support group for doctors with mental health problems.
A healthcare professional who has experienced a significant personal or professional impact as a result of a patient safety incident can be referred to as a second victim. This web-based resource provides guidance and tools to support individuals (and their managers) who have experience of being involved in such incidents.
Confidential emotional support 24 hours a day samaritans.org
SDT provide a 24 hour confidential telephone helpline for doctors with drug and alcohol problems.
Staff Wellbeing Room – situated within the Coffee Lounge. Tea/coffee/biscuits are available and the area is accessible 24/7. Although not manned, all contact numbers for support are available if required.
Staff Wellbeing Room – situated in the Seminar Room. A self-sustaining area with donations of tea/coffee/biscuits from staff at EACH. Although not manned, all contact numbers for support are available if required.
Staff Quiet Room – situated within the Quiet Room. A self-sustaining area with donations of tea/coffee/biscuits from the staff in Girvan. Although not manned, all contact numbers for support are available if required.
Staff Wellbeing Area – available for all staff within the hospital with provisions provided by the staff and community donations. Although not manned, all contact numbers are available if required.
Mobile: 07824 596511
Email: StaffCare@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Email: MedicalPeerSupport@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Email: aa.clinicaltraineepeersupportteam3@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Clinical_traineepeersupportteam@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Email: Clinical_StaffWellbeingPsychologyServices_COVID19@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Monday to Friday 9-5pm – contact through switchboard or (if non-urgent) leave a voicemail on 01563 825988
Tel number: 01294 323564
Email: NorthStaffWell-Being@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
for information or to make an appointment:
Tel number: 01563 825611
Email: aa-uhb.betterhealthhub@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Telephone helpline 24/7: 0800 111 4191
Website: www.promis.scot